USTRANSCOM focuses on integrated deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (May 26, 2022) -- U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) leaders toured the Indo-Pacific region to discuss initiatives and operations impacting logistics and communications throughout the theater.

Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost, commander, USTRANSCOM, and Fleet Master Chief Donald Myrick, senior enlisted leader, USTRANSCOM, visited the six locations and four countries from May 8 – 18.

“This is all about integrated deterrence, which means operating, in a whole-of-government approach, in lockstep with our allies and partners,” said Van Ovost.

The trip provided opportunities to strategize with senior military and civilian leaders, showcase the command’s support to allies and partners, operationalize logistics, and interface with personnel who support USTRANSCOM’s mission in the region.

“This theater is incredibly unique – distances are long, operations are dispersed, and the pace is quick,” said Van Ovost. “We are here to ensure USTRANSCOM can provide what is vital to deploy, maneuver, and sustain the USINDOPACOM {U.S. Indo-Pacific Command} warfighter, as well as meet the needs of our allies and partners.”

First stopping at Andersen Air Base, Guam, Van Ovost and Myrick were briefed on how the 36th Wing is accomplishing its mission to project airpower and expand combat capability from the forward edge of the Indo-Pacific. They also received briefings from the 734th Air Mobility Squadron on aerial port operations, and from the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron on how it routinely executes in-flight refueling to support theater security operations.

In addition, they met with sailors and civilians from the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) who manage sealift logistics, and keep the fleet armed, fueled, and fed.

“The teams of transportation professionals across the region are vital to USINDOPACOM and USTRANSCOM mission success,” said Myrick. “Every day, we ask them to think strategically and execute tactically, in an evolving and high-paced environment – and they deliver.”

Van Ovost and Myrick next visited the Philippines and Singapore, interfacing with key civilian and military leaders to strengthen relationships and collaborate on transportation and supply frameworks that further mutual interests such as humanitarian support and disaster response.

“The strategic environment is always changing,” said Van Ovost. “Our network of allies and partners in this region is critical to USTRANSCOM’s robust and resilient global network, which provides the U.S. the ability to rapidly respond and address evolving security challenges.”

While in the Republic of Korea, USTRANSCOM leaders thanked the “Kargo Kings” of the 837th Transportation Battalion who integrate and synchronize surface deployment and distribution capabilities to move, deploy, and sustain the Armed Forces in support of USINDOPACOM.

Continuing their tour in Korea, Van Ovost and Myrick met with personnel from MSC, the 731st Air Mobility Squadron and the Defense Courier Service.

“The importance of working with teams across USINDOPACOM to advance our logistic capabilities cannot be understated,” said Van Ovost. “When it comes to ensuring success of airlift, air refueling, and port and sealift operations, it is imperative we continue to strengthen joint capabilities and align strategies.”

The command team next stopped in Japan, speaking with 374th Air Wing, 515th Air Mobility Operations Group, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force leaders. They also toured the Yokota Air Base passenger terminal and met with members of the 730th Air Mobility Squadron, who recently received, processed, and uploaded 38 tons of humanitarian aid destined for Ukraine.

The trip concluded at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, Alaska, with a tour of the base’s largest hangar, the “Thunderdome,” and briefings from the 168th Wing and 354th Fighter Wing on their missions to provide air refueling and combat-power, with a focus on Arctic security. 

Van Ovost and Myrick expressed their appreciation to the many military and civilian professionals throughout their visit, recognizing some for their outstanding performance.  

“Our strength comes from our team – this team – and our success in globally delivering everything from aid during a crisis to combat-credible power during conflict is a direct reflection of your daily efforts,” said Van Ovost. “Thank you for your unmatched dedication to the mission and the continuous work done in lockstep with allies and partners to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

USTRANSCOM exists as a warfighting combatant command to project and sustain military power at a time and place of the nation’s choosing. Powered by dedicated men and women, TRANSCOM underwrites the lethality of the Joint Force, advances American interests around the globe, and provides our nation's leaders with strategic flexibility to select from multiple options, while creating multiple dilemmas for our adversaries.

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