Source: United States Navy
APRA HARBOR, Guam – Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, along with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Shoup (DDG 86) and USS Benfold (DDG 65) and Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62) arrived in Guam for a scheduled port visit June 16.
Source: United States Army
HONOLULU – As Hawaii enters another wildfire season, the Hawaii National Guard has launched Operation Hoʻopauahi 2026, an annual mission that prepares Army aviation assets to support county, state and federal partners in responding to wildfires across the islands.
Named after the Hawaiian phrase meaning “to extinguish fire,” the operation enhances the state’s ability to protect lives, property and natural resources.
A key component of Operation Hoʻopauahi is the Hawaii Army National Guard’s aviation capability. Aircrews assigned to UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters train and remain ready to conduct aerial firefighting operations using water drop buckets, providing critical support to county fire departments.
Behind each flight mission is a team of maintainers, logistics specialists and support personnel who ensure aircraft and crews can respond safely and effectively when called upon.
For the Guardsmen participating in the operation, the mission is deeply personal. Many live in the communities they are preparing to protect, making their commitment particularly meaningful.
Staff Sgt. Albert Iokepa, a crew chief with the 1st Battalion, 189th Aviation Regiment (MEDEVAC), said serving during wildfire season is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a Guard member.
“Knowing that we’re out there helping our community and actually being a part of the team and doing our part, there’s no greater feeling,” Iokepa said. “It’s what we do here at the National Guard, it’s what we all sign up for.”
That sense of service is shared across the formation. Sgt. 1st Class Brian Hinkle of the 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment (MEDEVAC), reflected on his decades of service to the state.
“This is my 24th year in the Hawaii Army National Guard and every day I come to work. I’m just ecstatic to be able to help the people of Hawaii,” Hinkle said.
As Operation Hoʻopauahi 2026 gets underway, National Guard personnel stand ready to respond whenever needed. Their dedication, combined with strong partnerships across government and emergency response agencies, helps ensure Hawaii remains prepared for the challenges of wildfire season.
For the Soldiers who support the mission, Operation Hoʻopauahi is more than a mission; it is a commitment to protecting their neighbors, their communities and the islands they call home.
Related Links
The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil
State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil
The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard
The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard
The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard
Source: United States Army
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – After nearly 28 years in uniform and three years as the senior enlisted leader of the 18th Military Police Brigade, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey R. Friebe thanked the Soldiers, leaders and Family members who shaped his Army career before relinquishing responsibility during a ceremony at Tower Barracks Parade Field, June 16, 2026.
The ceremony marked the formal transfer of responsibility through the passing of the brigade colors, a longstanding Army tradition symbolizing the authority and stewardship entrusted to a unit’s senior enlisted leader.
During the ceremony, Friebe was also awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious service as the brigade’s command sergeant major.
Col. Francisco A. Cortez, commander of the 18th Military Police Brigade, reflected on Friebe’s role as his senior enlisted advisor and partner in command.
“The role of a command sergeant major is sacred in our profession,” Cortez said. “To the Soldiers, the command sergeant major is the ultimate advocate, mentor and enforcer of discipline. To a commander, the command sergeant major is the most trusted advisor and an indispensable partner in command.”
During Friebe’s tenure, the brigade supported Operation Trident Spear, participated in two V Corps Warfighter exercises and executed missions across Germany, Italy and Belgium. The formation also played a key role in Defender 25 while providing law enforcement, corrections, explosive ordnance disposal and military working dog capabilities throughout the European theater.
Cortez said Friebe emphasized training and leader development across the formation while helping prepare Soldiers for increasingly complex missions.
Under his leadership, brigade units earned recognition for excellence across multiple mission areas, including military police operations, corrections and maintenance programs. During the ceremony, Cortez credited Friebe with helping establish the conditions for those achievements through his focus on standards, readiness and Soldier development.
“You changed Soldiers’ lives for the better,” Cortez said. “The NCOs and officers that were developed here will carry your lessons forward for the next two decades.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Denice Malave, command sergeant major of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, said Friebe’s leadership left a lasting impression on those who served alongside him.
“At the end of the day, I was very grateful to work with Jeff because he became one of the best brigade command sergeants major I have worked with in my 28 years in the Army,” Malave said. “Just a great leader, great sergeant major and, most importantly, a great human being.”
Malave also described Friebe as one of her strongest teammates and advocates within the command.
In his farewell remarks, Friebe thanked the Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, officers, civilian employees and Family members who contributed to the brigade’s success during his time with the organization.
“I want to thank the officers, NCOs and Soldiers in the best military police brigade in the Army,” Friebe said. “The Soldiers are the most important reason why I enjoyed coming to work every day.”
Friebe also acknowledged the sacrifices made by his wife, Jamie, and their children during years of deployments, overseas assignments and relocations.
“You provided me the love and support so I could continue to be in this great profession,” Friebe said. “I want to say thank you, and I love you very much.”
Following the ceremony, Soldiers, Family members and leaders gathered to congratulate Friebe and his Family, marking the conclusion of his tenure as the brigade’s command sergeant major. Friebe will depart Germany later this year for Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Source: United States Army
SEMBACH, Germany– Nine military units from U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz’ Sembach Kaserne gathered June 11 to compete in the Sembach Cup and Summer Fest, with the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command taking first place overall.
The event drew participation from across the echelons, featuring food, drinks, music and informational booths alongside the day’s main activities. Competitions included kickball, table tennis, “Just Dance,” cornhole, pickleball, a cook-off, a water balloon toss and tug-of-war. Senior leaders and junior enlisted Soldiers competed alongside one another throughout the festival.
A highlight of the event occurred outside the formal competition. During the tug-of-war, a Soldier lost a wedding ring in the grass. Competitors immediately paused the competition, the installation’s corrections team loaned a security metal detector to another unit, and personnel from multiple commands assisted in sweeping the area until the ring was recovered.
The 10th AAMDC secured the overall victory, followed by the 30th Medical Brigade in second place and the 68th Theater Medical Command in third. Other participating units included the Navy, 409th Contracting Brigade, Medical Readiness Command-Europe, American Forces Network-Europe, U.S. Army Correctional Activity-Europe and U.S. Army NATO Brigade.
Community sponsors supported the event, including the USO, Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS), Family and MWR, Kaiserslautern Landstuhl Spouses’ Association, American Legion, Stars and Stripes, the Sembach Education Center and Military and Family Life Counselors.
U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz sets, serves and secures the total force community, enabling power projection for the European Theater.
Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/usag_rp
*Editor’s note:*This courtesy article was drafted with the assistance of generative AI. It was subsequently reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by USAG Rheinland-Pfalz public affairs to ensure accuracy, compliance with DoW security guidelines, and to reflect the appropriate tone.
Source: United States Navy
The Navy Quality of Service Cross-Functional Team (QoS CFT) and PAE Maritime’s In-Service Aircraft Carrier Program Office (PMS 312) are changing how the Navy does business for the execution of aircraft carrier Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH), beginning with USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).
Source: United States Navy
NORFOLK, VA – Recognizing the indispensable role and daily dangers faced by Civil Service Mariners (CIVMARs), the U.S. Navy has officially designated several key maritime regions as hazard areas, authorizing premium pay when operating in these dangerous waters.
Source: United States Army
CAMP GRAYLING, Mich. – Nine soldiers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment, Michigan Army National Guard, participated in a two-week unmanned aerial system program that began May 31, 2026, as the Michigan National Guard expands its UAS training initiative.
The Michigan National Guard’s UAS program provides service members with no prior experience the training needed to understand regulations, develop flight proficiency and safely operate unmanned aerial systems in support of unit missions. Once certified, operators can utilize and integrate UAS into their units. The training can also tailor instruction to specific unit capabilities, including drone-strike simulations.
“The goal of this training is to expose [service members] to the challenges and opportunities provided by a piece of equipment like that,” said Army Maj. Brandon Shortner, the battalion’s executive officer. “That’s making such an impact on the modern battlefield.”
Students began in the classroom for an overview of regulations and systems before moving to flight simulators. Once proficient, they transitioned to field training with a level one UAS, the smallest drone class, maneuvering through an obstacle course that replicates real-world conditions. Instructors adapted the course difficulty based on mission requirements and individual skills.
“Every unit has a different mission set, and every mission set will require a different platform,” said Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Aric Petersen, UAS Training Center supervisor for the Michigan National Guard.
After demonstrating competence on the level one drone, the soldiers will progress to live-fire training to learn demolitions and how to arm the platforms.
In February, the War Department designated the Michigan National Guard’s Camp Grayling as the nation’s first national range for deep uncrewed aerial systems training, resulting in an increased emphasis on UAS training and capability development across the force. Camp Grayling is the largest National Guard training facility in the U.S.
“It’s an incredible honor to be part of a small group of individuals selected to do this,” said Army Spc. Aleksandr Blain, an infantry team leader assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment. “We are looking forward to developing these skills.”
Blain was the first of the trained 126th Infantry Regiment drone pilots to execute a drone strike using a first-person view drone June 10. Army Sgt. 1st Class David Burr, an infantry platoon sergeant assigned to the battalion, assisted Blain with the strike as the drone navigator. The navigator role is critical to ensuring UASs reach targets accurately and safely.
The strike was completed using a two-drone hunter-killer team composed of an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform used to crosstalk with the pilots to confirm targets prior to the strike and a first-person-view system equipped with a fixed-angle camera, giving operators a real-time view from the aircraft’s perspective.
The drone is flown entirely by the pilot, enabling precise maneuverability and continued operation in contested environments where GPS may be unavailable or degraded.
The first-person-view drones are piloted completely by manual control, so they find what is called acrobatic mode, which means the pilot has full control over the drone; it doesn’t hover.
The two-week training course not only enhanced the unit’s tactical performance but also boosted morale among the small group of participants.
“Being on the cusp of innovation is always fun,” Blain said. “It’s uncharted territory.”
The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil
State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil
The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard
The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard
The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard
Source: United States Army
GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Montana Army National Guard firefighters trained alongside Airmen and state firefighters assigned to the 120th Airlift Wing Fire Department during a June 11 joint aircraft rescue firefighting exercise.
The training at the 120th Airlift Wing included classroom instruction and hands-on live-fire scenarios designed to strengthen aircraft rescue firefighting capabilities and improve interoperability across the Montana National Guard.
Participants received instruction on airfield operations, emergency response procedures and aircraft rescue firefighting tactics before applying those skills during live-fire exercises using an aircraft training simulator.
“This was an opportunity to cross-pollinate with the Air National Guard and gain valuable experience on an active airfield,” said Capt. Timothy Lenihan, commander of the Montana Army National Guard firefighting detachments.
“Using a live-fire aircraft trainer and operating aircraft rescue firefighting vehicles provided our Soldiers with training opportunities that are difficult to replicate elsewhere,” Lenihan said.
Prior to the live-fire training, participants learned how to safely operate on an active airfield, including vehicle movement procedures, communication requirements and coordination with air traffic controllers.
“One of the most important skills we’re teaching today is how to communicate effectively with the FAA tower,” said Staff Sgt. Graydon Irish, training officer for the Montana Army National Guard firefighting detachment. “Clear, concise radio communication is essential for safely operating on an active airfield.”
The training provided Soldiers an opportunity to operate specialized aircraft rescue firefighting vehicles, respond to simulated aircraft emergencies and work directly with experienced aircraft rescue firefighters. Soldiers practiced vehicle positioning, fire suppression techniques and coordination in conditions designed to replicate a real-world aircraft emergency.
Irish said exposing Soldiers to the aviation environment builds confidence and familiarity before they are required to respond to an actual incident.
“Before Soldiers can confidently operate in an aviation environment, they need exposure to it,” Irish said. “Listening to experienced airfield operators and then communicating with the tower themselves helps build that confidence.”
Beyond the technical skills gained during the training, leaders said the training strengthened relationships between Army and Air National Guard personnel and improved their ability to work together during emergencies.
Army firefighting units bring capabilities designed for austere and tactical environments, while the 120th Airlift Wing Fire Department specializes in aircraft rescue firefighting and airfield operations. Training together allows both organizations to better understand each other’s procedures, equipment and capabilities.
“I think Army and Air National Guard units have different standard operating procedures,” Lenihan said. “If we’re responding to the same crisis or emergency and we’ve never worked together before, then we don’t know how to operate together. Training together now helps us work more effectively as a team in the future.”
Brig. Gen. Trent Gibson, the adjutant general of the Montana National Guard, said the training demonstrates the value of integrating capabilities across the Montana National Guard and building relationships before emergencies occur.
“When Soldiers and Airmen train together, they build the trust, communication and shared understanding needed to respond effectively when Montana communities need us most,” Gibson said. “Training like this strengthen our readiness and ensure we can bring the full capabilities of the Montana National Guard to any mission.”
The training also highlighted future opportunities for collaboration, including technical rescue, rope rescue and hazardous materials training, further expanding the capabilities of both organizations.
“Whether we’re wearing an Army or Air Guard uniform, our mission is the same,” Irish said. “Protect lives, protect property and be ready to respond when Montana needs us. This training helps ensure we can do that together.”
The training strengthened readiness across the Montana National Guard while providing Soldiers, Airmen and state firefighters with valuable experience operating in a realistic aircraft emergency environment.
Related Links
The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil
State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil
The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard
The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard
The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard
Source: United States Army
ZAGREB, Croatia — More than 100 cyber professionals from seven European nations and seven U.S. National Guard state partners participated in Combined Adriatic Cyber Endeavor (CACE) 2026, a multinational cyber defense exercise hosted by the Croatian Armed Forces at the Petar Zrinski Barracks, June 1-11.
The Croatian Cyber Command hosted the largest regional cyber exercise for the first time, bringing together participants from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Slovenia, along with their respective U.S. National Guard State Partnership Program counterparts from New Jersey, Maryland, Minnesota, Iowa, Maine, Vermont, and Colorado.
“We do things vastly differently across countries, across states,” said Maryland Air National Guard Warrant Officer 1 Nicholas Custead, assigned to the 276th Cyberspace Operations Squadron, who served as an exercise planner and member of the red team. “So, having everybody in the same room allows us to pool our ideas and come up with the best solutions. It’s the best way to collaborate.”
The two-week exercise began with academic instruction, scenario development, and final preparations before transitioning into the operational exercise. Each state and its partner nation formed a defensive cyber blue team and a white cell for the exercise, while Croatia and some National Guard members supported an offensive red team. The exercise represented the latest evolution of a regional effort designed to strengthen cooperation, coordination, and cyber defense capabilities among Adriatic+ partner nations.
“These exercises are unique opportunities to have actual hands-on experience and see what it takes to combat a threat, impacting the region,” said Paul Winter, senior vice president for professional services at SimSpace. “There’s a lot of planning and prep for these activities, and our team has been really grateful for the teamwork of the host nation.”
A significant NATO milestone of the exercise was the first-ever interconnection of SimSpace cyber ranges operated by Croatia and Slovenia. The exercise centered on a fictional military mission in which participating teams were tasked with defending the shared unclassified network. Blue team participants conducted threat hunting, incident response, reverse engineering, and network defense operations while documenting findings, developing remediation plans, and submitting situation reports.
The white team served as the exercise control element, overseeing coordination, scenario management, participant guidance, and overall governance. White team members were responsible for ensuring the exercise met its training objectives, maintained realistic conditions, enforced established rules, and evaluated participating teams. The red team planned and executed simulated adversary activities designed to challenge the blue team network defenders, while the Croatian green team and Simspace staff developed and maintained the network infrastructure and cyber range environment used throughout the exercise.
“It’s about coordination, collaboration, and everyone working together,” said Maj. Dubravko Jerković, Croatian Cyber Command commander and exercise director. “I think the whole point of this exercise is the communication, exchanging information, and getting to know the people, so we build the maturity of cyber in our region.”
The virtual training environments were provided through a U.S. security cooperation investment and donated to the Croatian and Slovenian armed forces in late 2023. During the exercise, the interconnected ranges expanded training capacity and enabled participants to operate across the larger, complex cyber environment.
“It is important as a cyber range provider not to just provide the solutions, but to really enable the partner nations to run and operate as self-sufficient as possible,” said Lee Rossey, chief technology officer and co-founder of SimSpace. “We want to fade into the background and enable them to be able to design, execute, and run as much as possible on their own.”
Officials said the successful integration demonstrated the growing cyber capabilities of both nations and established a foundation for future multinational training events. Several participating nations either have received or are expected to receive similar virtual training environments, creating opportunities for additional regional cyber exercises in the future.
“Cooperation is very important,” said Aleš Čretnik, Slovenia national representative and cyber range chief/advisor for the Slovenian Ministry of Defense. “Establishing trust among the nations that actually know each other, especially the technical stuff, so that they know who they should contact for help or any other support in case of larger incidents.”
The exercise built on previous regional cyber cooperation efforts, including the Adriatic Regional Security Cooperation Cyberspace Exercise hosted in Postojna, Slovenia, in 2024. Throughout the exercise, participants worked side by side to defend networks, share technical expertise, and strengthen relationships among allied and partner nations.
“CACE 26 is an example of the growing maturity in cyberspace defense across the Adriatic region,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Patrick Brown, IMA to the Partnership Division, U.S. European Command J69, who also previously served in the Maryland Air National Guard’s 175th Cyberspace Operations Group. “This year, Croatia took the lead, demonstrating the increasing capability and ownership of our Allies and partners in the cyber domain after years of USEUCOM-led cyberspace security cooperation in the region, including the National Guard’s State Partnership Program. As our Allies and partners independently plan, resource, and execute multinational exercises, it showcases a more capable, resilient, and interoperable cyber force to defend Alliance territory, which increases regional stability.”
Eight Airmen assigned to the Maryland Air National Guard’s 175th Cyberspace Operations Group and one Soldier assigned to Maryland Army National Guard Cyber Protection Team 169 joined three members of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) Cyber Operations Center at the exercise. It was the first time that an AFBiH cyber expert led their Maryland counterparts as one of the seven blue teams.
“I’m most proud of how my team handled the situation, because we are the smallest team at this event, and I’m proud of the collaboration with other teams, and also our partnership with Maryland,” said AFBiH Capt. Armin Kolašinac, a vulnerability assessment officer at the Cyber Operations Center. “In the beginning, [Maryland] showed us everything, because we were new at this, but now we are catching up, and there are some things that we can also teach them. It’s significant for me, and it’s significant for my [AFBiH] colleagues because it shows that the partnership with Maryland is bearing fruit. We can see progress, and I can see that my teammates trust me.”
Related Links
The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil
State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil
The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard
The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard
The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard
Source: United States Army
WIESBADEN – U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden is nearing completion on the selection process to find the best food contractor to reopen the German Dining Facility on Clay Kaserne. The new dining facility will ensure daily meal service for host nation employees.
After a public announcement requesting vendor solicitations for Clay Kaserne’s newest dining facility this past February, a total of eight vendors applied for the opportunity to operate the German Kantine.
The selection process included scoring of business plans and food testing, and the best candidate was identified by a panel of ten evaluators.
The panel represents a cross-section of the garrison, including larger organization on Clay Kaserne that employs German staff.
Panel members represent the Garrison Works Council, the Directorate of Public Works, the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, 2nd Theater Signal Brigade, Logistic Readiness Support Center, Installation Management Command Europe and United States Army Europe and Africa.
Evaluation criteria focused on the food concept, menu, pricing, and overall value.
After the initial round of reviews, the top two vendors prepared food for a tasting in the follow-up round, allowing evaluators to sample and compare their offerings.
“The German canteen is extremely important to us because it’s there for our German workforce,” said Mitchell Jones, USAG Wiesbaden Deputy to the Garrison Commander, and part of the evaluation panel. “[This way] they can have fast [and] traditional meals – quick and affordable.”
While the canteen will be open to all community members, its focus is to provide convenient, high-quality meal options on post to Local National employees.
“We have others in the community that can use it as well – NATO, SAG-U, Americans. So, it’s a great addition to our community that is constantly growing,” said Jones.
Jones also spoke to the quality-of-life enhancements the dining facility will bring, highlighting its accessible location and return of traditional German cuisine on Clay Kaserne.
“We try to make the best choice by checking everything today, and through the food tasting we ensure that we not only get the best food, but also the best prices,” said Margot Jones, a 2nd Signal Brigade works council member and part of the evaluation committee.
The process was designed to identify the best dining option for the USAG Wiesbaden community by involving a broad representation of stakeholders. The top-scoring vendor from this two-fold evaluation process will be presented to the Garrison Works Council for its final consent, in accordance with German co-determination rights.
The dining facility will serve freshly prepared hot meals during breakfast and lunch on workdays. While the focus is on German home-style cuisine, there will be a variety of vegetarian, vegan, international and seasonal dishes available.
The goal is to open the German Dining Facility this summer in Bldg. 1531, on Clay Kaserne, situated behind the Fitness and Post Office.
The selected vendor will be announced in the coming weeks. Stay tuned in to the My Army Post App, social media and the Garrison’s website for updates about the upcoming opening date and details.