Tip of the Spear

2

This is a U.S. Special Operations Command publication. Contents are not 

necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, 

Department of Defense or USSOCOM. The content is edited, prepared and 

provided by the USSOCOM Communication Office, 7701 Tampa Point 

Blvd., MacDill AFB, Fla., 33621, phone (813) 826-8800, DSN 299-8800. An 

electronic copy can be found at www.socom.mil. The editor of the Tip of the 

Spear reserves the right to edit all copy presented for publication.

U.S. Army Col. Alexandra Weiskopf 

Special Operations 

Communication Office Director 

Michael Bottoms

Managing Editor 

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Demetrius Munnerlyn 

Staff NCOIC

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Marleah Miller 

Photojournalist

Tip of the Spear

(Cover) East Coast-based U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) and Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen 

(SWCC) conduct maritime training with Cypriot Underwater Demolition Command (MYK) forces near Limassol, Cyprus on Jan. 

25, 2024. This training strengthens the relationship between U.S. Special Operations Command Europe and its Allies and 

partners throughout Europe, reinforcing the United States commitment to the region. Naval Special Warfare Group TWO 

produces, supports, and deploys the world’s premier maritime special operations forces to conduct full-spectrum operations 

and integrated deterrence in support of U.S. national objectives. Photo by U.S. Navy Mass Petty Officer 1st Class Bill Carlisle.

U.S. Army Gen. Bryan P. Fenton 

Commander, USSOCOM

Command Sgt. Maj. Shane W. Shorter 

Senior Enlisted Leader, USSOCOM

SEALs, Cypriot Navy forge alliance in eastern Mediterranean waters 

... 16
Tip of the Spear

Highlights

3

ROK-US demonstrate enduring SOF 

relationship with first combined training of 

2024 ... 8

Top Army’s generals for cyber, space and 

special operations convene for Triad 

partnership ... 10

USSOCOM hosts NATO secretary general 

during visit with SOF members ... 34

Departments 

Theater Special Operations Commands

US Special Operations Africa supports donation of 

humanitarian assistance to Equatorial Guinea ... 4 

Family is forever – a life of service ... 6

ROK-US demonstrate enduring SOF relationship with first 

combined training of 2024 ... 8 

U.S. Army Special Operations Command

Top Army’s generals for cyber, space and special operations 

convene for Triad partnership ... 10 

The crucible of fires: State of the art fires center named after 

legendary Ranger ... 12 

US Army Rangers Support JPMRC 24-02 ... 14 

Naval Special Warfare Command

SEALs, Cypriot Navy forge alliance in eastern 

Mediterranean waters ... 16 

Navy SEALs train with Beale defenders during Exercise 

Dragon Trident ... 18 

NSW with Allied Special Ops Navy SEALs, joint force conclude 

training ... 20 

USSOUTHCOM, NAVSCIATTS honor Panamá’s Minister of 

Public Security ... 22

Air Force Special Operations Command

The 352nd Special Operations Wing hosts Chindit veterans 

and families in celebration of Air Commando Heritage ... 24 

371st Special Operations Combat Training Squadron 

increases reach, brings training to audience ... 26 

Understanding AFSOC’s adaptive airborne enterprise ... 28 

123rd and 21st STS conduct CSAR operations during Raven 

24-3 ... 30 

Marine Forces Special Operations Command 

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and LowIntensity Conflict visits MARSOC ... 32

Headquarters

USSOCOM hosts NATO secretary general during visit with 

SOF members ... 34 

Father and son football coaches visit USSOCOM, talk 

leadership ... 36 

Sharpening the tip of the spear: USSOCOM experiment yields 

valuable user feedback for CBRN defense developers ... 38 
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U.S. servicemembers from Special Operations Command Africa (left) pose for a photo with U.S. Ambassador to Equatorial 

Guinea David R. Gilmour (second from right) and Ramon Bengono Miko, Presidential Counselor for the Ministry of Social 

Affairs and Gender (right) during the delivery of humanitarian aid, February 2, 2024, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
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Courtesy Story 

Special Operations Command Africa

Through a joint effort, U.S. Special Operations 

Africa delivered a Adonation of humanitarian supplies 

with assistance from II Marine Expeditionary Force 

USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB-4) Detachment 

in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, February 2, 2024. U.S. 

forces worked concurrently with the government of 

Equatorial Guinea to facilitate this engagement 

signifying sustained relations between the two nations. 

The Equatorial 

Guinea Ministry of 

Social Affairs and 

Gender received 

the donation of 

$24,000 worth of 

supplies and will 

disburse it to local 

shelters and 

orphanages within 

the community. 

“We are very 

thankful to have 

the opportunity to 

work with the 

Equatorial Guinea ministry leaders as well as our U.S. 

military and embassy colleagues to complete this 

collaborative effort to combat human trafficking and 

provide aid to help vulnerable populations,” said U.S. 

Army Maj. Brittany Fraser, SOCAFRICA Civil Affairs 

Branch Chief. 

The nation’s relative remoteness, comprised of a 

mainland region and volcanic islands off the Gulf of 

Guinea, presents 

procurement and 

logistical 

challenges. U.S 

forces are currently 

postured to support 

these complex 

delivery logistics. 

This humanitarian 

donation will 

benefit the most 

vulnerable of the 

population in the 

host nation. One of the recipients of this donation is 

the first shelter dedicated to victims of human 

trafficking. The aid items delivered included baby 

formula, diapers, rehydration salts, pediatric 

medicines, and first aid kits for distribution to the 

local populace. 

“We hope that this donation is the beginning of 

additional cooperation and illustrates the broad range 

of programs available through U.S. forces to help 

strengthen not only security but improve the 

livelihoods of the people of Equatorial Guinea,” said 

Defense Attaché to the U.S. Embassy in Equatorial 

Guinea Cdr. Michael White. 

SOCAFRICA, II MEF HWW Detachment, and the 

USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB-4) procured the 

original donation at Naval Station Rota, Spain, August 

16, 2023, through a 

coordinated effort. 

U.S. forces remain 

postured to support 

our African partners 

and continue 

maintaining the 

rapport with 

Equatorial Guinea 

for future 

cooperation. 

“We hope that 

this is the first of 

many opportunities 

to partner with not only the Ministry of Social Affairs, 

but the government of Equatorial Guinea,” said U.S. 

Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea David R. Gilmour. 

“The U.S. Embassy strives to increase cooperation to 

make progress on our shared goals of strengthening 

regional security, promoting economic prosperity and 

human development, and encouraging good 

governance and respect for human rights.” 

II MEF HWW Detachment conducted this 

humanitarian 

assistance through a 

scheduled 

deployment in the 

NAVEUR-NAVAF 

area of operations, 

employed by U.S. 

Sixth Fleet to defend 

U.S., European 

allied and African 

partner 

interests.partners 

throughout Africa to 

attain greater security and stability for their 

population. 

SOCAFRICA remains actively engaged in 

supporting our partners throughout Africa to attain 

greater security and stability for their population. 

 The U.S. Embassy strives to increase cooperation to 

make progress on our shared goals of strengthening 

regional security, promoting economic prosperity and 

human development, and encouraging good 

governance and respect for human rights. 

— U.S. Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea David R. 

Gilmour. 

“We are very thankful to have the opportunity to 

work with the Equatorial Guinea ministry leaders as 

well as our U.S. military and embassy colleagues to 

complete this collaborative effort to combat human 

trafficking and provide aid to help vulnerable 

populations. 

— U.S. Army Maj. Brittany Fraser, SOCAFRICA 

Civil Affairs Branch Chief.
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By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. James Bunn 

U.S. Special Operations Command Europe 

It’s often said that the military becomes a family to 

those who serve. Sitting with a Military and Family Life 

Counselor like Janet Escobedo, that adage rings true. 

Looking at Escobedo’s grandmotherly exterior, it’s hard to 

believe she was a trailblazer who dominated during the Air 

Force survival, evasion, resistance, and escape course, and 

ran ultra-marathons. She belies the energy of a woman half 

her age. 

“I don’t know, I just never thought to slow down!” 

Escobedo exclaimed when asked about her drive and 

passion for serving the military, civilians, and family 

members of U.S. Special Operations Command Europe. 

Escobedo came to Stuttgart, Germany to serve as the 

MFLC (pronounced em-fleck) for the 1st Battalion, 10th 

Special Forces Group (Airborne) in 2023, bringing her 

effervescent spirit and can-do attitude to the unit. After her 

stint with 1-10, she moved across town to support the 

SOCEUR headquarters team. 

She recounted the feeling of stress and excitement 

during her first few visits to SOCEUR, saying she could 

feel the tension but also the passion everyone had for their 

jobs. During her time with SOCEUR, Escobedo was 

known for having sweet treats to brighten the day of those 

she came across, and always making time for those who 

needed her. 

“She gave the best hugs,” said Army Master Sgt. Kelly 

Simon adding, “She was always a ball of energy, and she 

would leave folks feeling better than before she stopped 

by.” 

Among her many achievements, Escobedo was the 

first woman to run the 20.5 mile stretch of the Grand 

Canyon, from the North Kaibab trail to the South Rim. 

“We ran a 50-mile ultra marathon to get into condition 

for that event,” Escobedo said nonchalantly, as if it’s just 

another day. 

Accomplishing the extraordinary is ordinary for 

Escobedo. In another instance, when she completed SERE 

school, two instructors presented her with a leather belt 

buckle from the People’s Democratic Republic of Vietnam 

as a symbol of her perseverance, fortitude, and resilience. 

Escobedo recognized the significance of the honor; the belt 

buckle had only been given three times in 11 years. 

Those weren’t her only firsts. Escobedo was part of the 

first all-female Cadet Corps at Virginia Tech in 1973, 

where she threw discus and javelin for the university track 

and field team, hinting at her life-long love of sport. She 

commissioned in the Air Force as an intelligence officer, 

and officially began her first career at Davis-Monthan Air 

Force Base in Arizona, then on to Germany where her 

passion and skill, both for the military and sports, led her 

to a spot on the U.S. team in the Continental Sports 

Conference in Berlin, where she won Gold in track and 

field. 

“We competed and stayed in the Berlin Olympic 

Stadium in 1982,” said Escobedo. “It was a thrill seeing 

my name on the big Olympic scoreboard.” 

During her assignment in Germany, Escobedo was 

instrumental in getting an intelligence system known as the 

Battlefield information and Exploitation System (BICES), 

operational during Desert Storm. She helped negotiate 

Cadet Janet Escobedo, right front, and other Virginia Tech 

Cadet Corps students in 1973. Courtesy photo.
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many agreements with partner nations to get the system 

online. 

“Probably the most important legacy in my 

intelligence career is that I helped get the BICES program 

operational,” she said. 

In 1995, Escobedo took command of a squadron at the 

Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California. It was 

here she found her calling as a counselor. 

“One day I was putting on my uniform and while 

adjusting my name tag, I literally heard a voice say, ‘I 

want you to become a counselor,’” Escobedo recalled. 

She said her faith was strong, even if she had never 

considered this as a career path after the Air Force. 

“I was a techie through and through, developing 

sophisticated intelligence architectures for Desert Storm,” 

she explained, though she recounted numerous times she 

had counseled subordinates throughout her military career. 

Ever one to persevere, Escobedo completed her 

schooling and began working with at-risk youth in New 

Mexico. In 2013 she began working as an MFLC with the 

New Mexico National Guard. Eventually, she made her 

way to Kenya and worked with special operations units. 

“I did a tour in Djibouti and Manda Bay, Kenya, and 

then became an embedded MFLC with the 352nd Special 

Operations Wing,” she explained. The 352nd is the air 

component subordinate to SOCEUR. Tragedy struck the 

ever-positive Escobedo in 2022 when her husband of 43 

years passed away. She realized at that moment she had a 

decision to make. 

“After that terrible tragedy I realized I had a choice; I 

could drown myself in self-pity, or I could go on living my 

life to the fullest,” said Escobedo. “I chose the latter, 

realizing that the MFLC program and serving others has 

always brought me joy, I volunteered to do a year-long 

overseas assignment.” 

That’s when she found herself back in the special 

operations community where she found that losing her 

husband broadened her perspective and aided her because 

she worked with many grieving service members in similar 

situations. 

She shared her method to facing challenges, explaining 

that she approaches them with hope, love, and a positive 

attitude. 

“She was an absolute delight whenever she walked 

into a room, she was a real asset and she will be surely 

missed,” said Lt. Col. Sean Raleigh, the SOCEUR 

personnel director. 

“Escobedo will forever be part of the SOCEUR 

family.” 

“When your military career is finished, you’re never 

going to say ‘gee, I wish I had spent more time in the 

office on my son’s birthday,’” said Escobedo. “When your 

military career is finished, it’s finished, but your family is 

forever.”

Janet Escobedo scuba diving between the tectonic plates that 

separate the African continent from the Asian continent. 

Courtesy Photo.

Lt. Col. Janet Escobedo at her military retirement in 1997. 

Escobedo continued her service to the United States as a 

Military and Family Life Counselor providing confidential 

support and guidance to service members and their families. 

MFLCs are an important part of the U.S. military’s mental 

health and counseling services. Courtesy Photo.
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By U.S. Air Force Maj. Christopher Mesnard 

Special Operations Command Korea 

The end of January 2024 marked the completion 

of the new year’s first joint combined exchange 

training events conducted by U.S. Special Forces 

Command Korea aligned units. During the month, 

U.S. Navy Naval Special Warfare Command and 

U.S. Army Special Operations Command personnel 

partnered with their Republic of Korea counterparts, 

participating in various special operations forcesunique training events that enhanced both nations’ 

capacity to respond to a variety of complex 

situations. 

The NSW team partnered with ROK Army 

Soldiers from the 701st Special Airborne Regiment 

and personnel from the ROK Special Operations 

Unit. Together, they honed their ability to conduct 

advanced reconnaissance techniques, use specialized 

and off-the-shelf capabilities, and knowledge of 

cover and concealment techniques through in-class 

and practical exercises. 

At a separate location, U.S. Army Special Forces 

personnel assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group 

(Airborne) trained with their counterparts from the 

ROK Special Warfare Command’s 3rd Brigade. The 

two-week-long training focused on mission 

planning, a marksmanship course, and special 

reconnaissance with the intent of calling for 

simulated long-range fire missions as a joint fires 

observer. 

Training iterations like these build trust and 

confidence between ROK and U.S. SOF personnel 

should they ever need to respond to mutual defense 

requirements. During both teams’ training 

curriculums personnel focused on the ability to 

operate, communicate, and survive as cohesive units 

in austere environments. 

The missions of SOF historically span all phases 

of competition. As a means to meet security needs 

before they arise, both the ROK and U.S. regularly 

invest in the people who can conduct unique special 

operations missions. These credible networks of 

people enable an integrated deterrence posture that 

complicates the decisions of those who may seek 

belligerent actions to destabilize the region while 

also posturing both nations to prevail should 

deterrence fail. 

U.S. Navy’s Naval Special Warfare Command facilitators 

(center) prepare to demonstrate the capabilities of various 

weapons and reconnaissance aides during a combined 

training event with Republic of Korea Army soldiers 

assigned to the 701st Brigade at Paju, ROK, on Jan. 26, 

2024. The combined team later participated in a special 

reconnaissance field exercise, helping individuals 

practically apply the skills they learned. Photo by Republic 

of Korea Army Cpl. Yeonung Kim.
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Soldiers assigned to 3rd Brigade, Republic of Korea Special 

Warfare Command and a U.S. Special Forces Soldier 

assigned to 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) prepare to 

begin a special reconnaissance training event at Rodriguez 

Live Fire Range, ROK, on Jan. 31, 2024. Combined teams of 

ROK and U.S. special operations personnel regularly train 

together to meet their nations’ mutual defense priorities. 

Photo by Republic of Korea Army Cpl. Yeonung Kim.
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By Dottie White 

U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command 

 

The Army’s top generals for cyber, space and 

special operations forces met to discuss the Triad 

partnership and how they can further develop, 

operationalize and institutionalize the collaboration. 

Commanding Generals Lt. Gen. Maria B. Barrett, 

U.S. Army Cyber Command; 

and Lt. Gen. Jonathon P. 

Braga, U.S. Army Special 

Operations Command; and 

Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, 

U.S. Army Space and Missile 

Defense Command, met Jan. 

31 for the third Triad 3-Star 

General Officer Steering 

Committee at USASMDC 

headquarters at Peterson 

Space Force Base. 

Members of the GOSC 

emphasized the importance 

of the Triad due to the everchanging character of 

warfare. Along with this 

evolution, the threats and the 

nature of deterrence are 

changing for the United 

States. The Triad looks to 

develop innovative and 

comprehensive solutions. 

“The Cyber-Space-SOF Triad provides one of these 

solutions,” Braga said. “It is a ‘Modern-Day Triad’ 

designed to converge unique accesses, capabilities, 

authorities, understanding, and effects in many of the 

same ways we have implemented combined arms 

operations. Additionally, the Triad provides operational 

and strategic advantage during active campaigning, 

crisis and conflict, while presenting options to senior 

leaders that are less escalatory than current strategic 

deterrence options.” 

Gainey said that they must continue building upon 

the significant progress the Triad has already made in 

the development of concepts, capabilities and 

formations that enable 

exquisite operational 

preparation of the 

environment. The commands 

have already developed a 

unified exercise, 

experimentation and 

engagement plan for fiscal 

year 2024 and fiscal year 

2025. 

“We are working with the 

Theater Special Operations 

Command to ensure they 

know the space and highaltitude capabilities we can 

provide and to develop the 

operational concepts of 

employment,” said Gainey. 

“(The Triad) is 

developing real-world 

employment concepts 

designed to enable Army and joint force objectives 

anywhere in the world at a time and place of our 

choosing,” Gainey said. “Additionally, the Triad will 

enable ‘Left of Launch’ trans-regional missile defeat 

and active campaigning to ensure the ability of our 

It is a ‘Modern-Day Triad’ designed to 

converge unique accesses, capabilities, 

authorities, understanding, and effects 

in many of the same ways we have 

implemented combined arms 

operations. Additionally, the Triad 

provides operational and strategic 

advantage during active campaigning, 

crisis and conflict, while presenting 

options to senior leaders that are less 

escalatory than current strategic 

deterrence options. 

— Lt. Gen. Jonathon P. Braga, U.S. 

Army Special Operations Command 
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nation’s adversaries to strike the United States, as well 

as its partners and allies is prevented.” 

The Triad is a major way we can contribute to 

multi-domain operations and for us, the potential it 

provides our Missile Defeat efforts, as well as the 

access, understanding, and effects it can enable for the 

Joint Force are undeniable, Gainey said. 

“As such, the Triad provides flexible deterrent 

options that can shape the threat environment in ways 

our adversaries are unaware of and can provide flexible 

response options if they choose to break international 

norms and escalate tensions into conflict,” he said. 

Braga said the Triad has an outsized impact against 

the adversary’s capabilities as it relates to SOF, space 

and cyber. 

“That is why it is inherent we work together, 

experiment together and learn together,” Braga said. 

Barrett said the Triad is coming up with solutions 

and tools together as a team. 

“Triad operations disrupt adversary actions, 

demonstrate resolve, shape the adversary’s perceptions 

and gain advantage for warfighters when deterrence 

fails,” Barrett said. “ARCYBER has a track record of 

integrating cyber, electronic warfare and influence 

operations and can now deliver that to triad partners.” 

Commanding Generals Lt. Gen. Jonathon P. Braga, U.S. Army 

Special Operations Command; Lt. Gen. Maria B. Barrett, U.S. 

Army Cyber Command; and Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, U.S. 

Army Space and Missile Defense Command receive briefings 

on capability displays during the Triad General Officer 

Steering Committee meeting, Jan. 31, at USASMDC 

headquarters in Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. Photo 

by Dottie White.

Commanding Generals Lt. Gen. Jonathon P. Braga, U.S. Army Special Operations Command; Lt. Gen. Maria B. Barrett, U.S. 

Army Cyber Command; Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, pose for a photo Jan. 31 

prior to the third Triad 3-Star General Officer Steering Committee at USASMDC headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base, 

Colorado. Photo by Dottie White.
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By U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jorden Weir 

U.S. Army Special operations Command 

After four years of planning, collaboration, design, 

and renovation, the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment 

cut the ribbon on the Domeij Fires Center on Nov. 2, 

2023, marking its grand opening. 

“Today, we stand on hallowed ground,” said Master 

Sgt. Ian Pletch, the 75th Ranger Regimental Fires 

Noncommissioned Officer. “Not just because of the 

bricks and mortar that shape the structure behind me, 

but because of the legacy it represents. We are here to 

honor a man whose journey was truly the stuff of 

legends.” 

The center is named after Sgt. 1st Class Kristoffer 

Domeij, who served as the Fires Support 

Noncommissioned Officer for 2nd Battalion, 75th 

Ranger Regiment, when he was killed during combat 

operations, Oct. 22, 2011, in Afghanistan. 

It was his 14th combat deployment. 

The man

Domeij was a fire supporter of legendary 

proportions within the Ranger Regiment, whose 

incredible career laid the groundwork for what would 

become Ranger Fires Support as it exists today. 

“[Domeij] walked amongst us during one of the 

toughest periods in Ranger history,” said Col. J.D. 

Keirsey, Commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment. 

“Back-to-back deployments in the places that others 

feared to tread. This was an important time in Ranger 

history.” 

“The rest of the joint force was on the ropes,” he 

said, “and needed Rangers to track down the leaders and 

high-level facilitators of the enemy. Kris did it each and 

every night.” 

Sgt. 1st Class Robert Reynolds, a forward observer 

with the 75th Ranger Regiment, who had never met the 

man in person, told the story of Domeij with reverence 

and awe. 

“[Domeij] came to Ranger Regiment pre-9/11,” 

Reynolds said. “In a world where things were changing, 

capabilities were being delegated down, he oversaw all 

of it. He led the way. He was a man who could layer 

effects and layer fires in a way that was kind of next 

level.” 

Rangers Fires Supporters with the 75th Ranger Regiment 

unveil the sign for the Domeij Fires Center. After four years of 

planning, collaboration, design, and renovation, the U.S. 

Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment cut the ribbon on the Domeij 

Fires Center on Nov. 2, 2023, marking its grand opening. 

Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. David Soflin.
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Domeij earned the distinction of becoming one of the 

first Joint Terminal Attack Controller qualified members 

in the U.S. Army at the time. 

It is a distinction that has rippled across time and left 

a permanent mark on the Regiment. Now, Ranger Fire 

Supporters are required to become JTAC qualified when 

they become NCO’s. 

“Not only are we good Rangers,” said Sgt. Jack 

Masterson, a forward observer with the 75th Ranger 

Regiment, “but we’re also really good fires guys. It’s not 

one or the other. They go hand in hand. And [Domeij] 

was really the first to show that we can do that.” 

Reynolds hammering the breadth of Domeij’s 

influence on the Ranger Regiment home by bridging the 

past with the present. 

“We look back at our history,” said Reynolds. “We 

look at WWII and the Rangers who climbed Point du 

Hoc on D-Day ... I personally didn’t climb Point du Hoc. 

You know what I mean? And so, I ask myself: how do I 

carry forward, and how can I be the guy who climbs 

Point du Hoc ... when MY Point du Hoc comes 

around?” 

“Kris Domeij showed us how,” he said. 

The Domeij Fires Center

The Center’s inception began when retired Chief 

Warrant Officer 3 Gregory Funk, former Fires Officer for 

the 75th Ranger Regiment, recognized the need to 

accelerate its lethal effects capabilities in the special 

operations forces environment. 

“When you look at the training path of fire 

supporters and special operators that are JTACs, there’s a 

lot that goes into it,” Funk said. “If you look at the SOF 

Truths, these skills can’t be easily replicated, and mass 

produced. It’s a unique skill that requires detailed 

training. It’s not a hobby. It is a very serious skill set that 

can either make or break a mission.” 

Building on a history, dating back to then Secretary 

of the Army, Gen. Creighton Abrams’ Charter to the 

Regiment in 1974, which charged the elite special 

operations unit to “be better with their hands and 

weapons than anyone,” the 75th Ranger Regiment set out 

to bridge the significant gaps that exist in the Army’s 

fires capabilities by building a physical representation of 

groundbreaking technology coupled with the unmatched 

fighting spirit of the Rangers. 

“The problem was that getting the actual training 

reps in relied too heavily on factors outside of the unit’s 

control,” said Funk. “Bad weather rolls in, training can’t 

happen. Aircraft malfunctions, training can’t happen. 

Even when things go perfectly, the amount of time 

between iterations for the lanes to reset means that 

individual Fire Supporters and JTACs may only get one 

or two reps in during the exercise.” 

There is a cosmic divide that exists between simply 

having proficiency in a skill set and having mastery of it, 

and it’s a divide the Domeij Fires Center aims to close. 

Here they will get the reps necessary to gain true 

mastery of their craft. The center offers a dynamic space 

where Ranger and partner Forward Observers can 

experience tough battlefield problems and solutions 

firsthand and envision applications within their own 

operations. 

“It’s designed for the next generation of fires 

Rangers and Soldiers,” Masterson said. “I think that it’s 

probably honestly going to revolutionize things, not only 

for forward observers, but also Army JTACs.” 

It is a $2.2 million fires training facility, unrivaled in 

all the Army, that exemplifies cutting-edge fires 

technology in both the special operations realm and 

beyond. 

It is a total immersion simulator, able to not only 

replicate the most complex combat scenarios that a 

forward observer could face in the real world, but also to 

capture real time data that Ranger Forward Observers 

can use to gain a profound understanding of their 

equipment, technology, tactics, and perhaps most 

importantly, themselves, in order to meet the everevolving challenges facing the Army and the nation. 

Spanning more than 1,500 square feet, the Domeij 

Center combines a joint operations center and individual 

virtual training simulators to provide the greatest training 

benefit possible to every fire supporter in Regiment and 

beyond. The deliberate inclusion of the latest fires 

technologies and equipment underlines the 75th Ranger 

Regiment’s commitment to continual, realistic, and 

exhausting training as it strives to build and field the 

best possible fire supporters in the Army. 

“The infantry owns the last 100 yards of the 

battlefield, no question,” Reynolds said. “But they’re not 

going to get that close without substantial amounts of 

fire support.” 

That, at its core, is what the Domeij Fires Center is 

all about. Setting the conditions necessary for Rangers to 

continue to dominate any mission they are called upon to 

fight. This center embodies a steadfast commitment to 

actively contribute to advancing solutions in the battle 

space and setting new Army standards. 

“This building is the arena,” Pletch said. “This 

building is the crucible where Ranger Fires professionals 

are built. Forged through fire, led by Ranger NCOs who 

give you the opportunity to fail forward; to get 1% better 

every day. This building represents the Ranger spirit of 

Sgt. 1st Class Kristoffer Domeij. His legacy lives on. It 

is our turn now to do for others ... what he did for us.” 
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A U.S. Army Ranger from the 75th Ranger Regiment pull 

security during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 

24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 12, 2024. 

JPMRC 24-02 depends on joint, multi-component and 

multinational partners to succeed, including U.S. Air Force 

air and ground crews, U.S. Marines, and international military 

participants from more than five countries, a testament to the 

realism and authenticity of its world-class training capability. 

Photo by U.S. Army Pfc. Mike Godinez-Martinez.
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By U.S. Navy Lt.j.g. Martin Carey 

Naval Special Warfare Command 

 In a constant demonstration of partnership in the 

Eastern Mediterranean, U.S. East Coast-based Naval 

Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) and Special Warfare 

Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCC) collaborated with 

Cypriot Navy Underwater Demolition Team (MYK) 

partners Jan. 22 – Feb. 14, 2024, refining their operational 

expertise in the maritime domain throughout waters 

surrounding Cyprus. This relationship serves as a powerful 

deterrent, showcasing a united front against potential 

threats to regional and maritime security in the area. 

“Our partnership with the Cypriot Underwater 

Demolition Team sends a clear message to our adversaries. 

Together, we stand as a resolute force, ready to respond to 

any challenge and defend the shared interests of our 

nations,” said Capt. Bill Gallagher, Naval Special Warfare 

Group TWO Commodore. “This is not just a 

collaboration; it’s a crucible of excellence. Through joint 

endeavors, we fortify our capabilities and make clear that 

East Coast-based U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) and Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCC) 

conduct maritime training with Cypriot Underwater Demolition Command (MYK) forces near Limassol, Cyprus on Jan. 25, 2024. 

Photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Bill Carlisle.
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17

any aggression will be met with a swift, unyielding 

response.” 

One of the marquee iterations involved the special 

operations forces deploying from the expeditionary fast 

transport ship USNS Yuma (T-EPF 8) at night in the 

technologically advanced Combatant Craft Medium boats, 

navigating to a vessel of interest, climbing aboard, 

conducting close quarters clearance and site exploitation. 

Naval Special Warfare’s integration with Fleet assets like 

Yuma extends their tactical reach and provides multidomain response options to counter national security 

threats and deter aggression from potential adversaries. 

The on-site SEAL commander stated, “The 

interoperability and camaraderie displayed here transcend 

conventional military cooperation. These face-to-face 

iterations of training not only bolster our combat 

capabilities but ensures the U.S. and Cypriot relationship 

remains steadfast.” 

Navigating persistent waves, the SEALs and their 

Cypriot partners engaged in synchronized drills, honing 

their skills in covert operations, maritime operations, and 

visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) at sea. The 

intensity of these exercises reflects the unwavering 

commitment Naval Special Warfare has to training their 

personnel to ensure readiness and the ability to operate in 

dynamic maritime environments. 

Yuma is one of 14 Spearhead-class 

expeditionary fast transport ships that 

provide a high-speed, shallow draft 

vessel for rapid intra-theater transport 

of medium-sized cargo payloads. 

These ships have a flight deck and a 

load ramp which allows the rapid 

transit and deployment of conventional 

or special operations forces, equipment 

and supplies. 

The MYK special operations 

forces are highly skilled operators of 

the Cypriot Navy who conduct special 

reconnaissance, direct action, military 

assistance, combat search and rescue, 

and maritime operations to safeguard 

the interests of Cyprus and promote 

regional security. 

Naval Special Warfare Group 

TWO produces, supports, and deploys 

the world’s premier maritime special 

operations forces to conduct fullspectrum operations and integrated 

deterrence in support of U.S. national 

objectives. 

East Coast-based U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) and Special 

Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCC) conduct live fire weapons training 

with Cypriot Underwater Demolition Command (MYK) forces near Limassol, 

Cyprus on Jan. 29, 2024. This training strengthens the relationship between U.S. 

Special Operations Command Europe and its Allies and partners throughout 

Europe, reinforcing the United States commitment to the region. Photo by U.S. 

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Bill Carlisle.

East Coast-based U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators 

(SEALs) and Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen 

(SWCC) conduct over the beach training with Cypriot 

Underwater Demolition Command (MYK) forces near 

Limassol, Cyprus on Feb. 1, 2024. Photo by U.S. Navy Petty 

Officer 1st Class Bill Carlisle.
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By U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Samuel Burns 

9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs 

Forty Airmen from the 9th Security Forces Squadron 

(SFS), 9th Medical Group (MDG) and 9th Operations 

Support Squadron (OSS) from Beale Air Force Base, 

California, teamed up with East Coast-based Naval Special 

Warfare Operators (SEALs) for joint Exercise Dragon Trident 

1, Jan. 29-31, 2024. This 3-day training exercise involved 

base defense operations, weapons training and re-capture 

operations. 

The exercise kicked off with 9th SFS Airmen 

establishing air base ground defense with command and 

control, mobile security patrols and defensive fighting 

positions at the forward operating site (FOS). Beale’s 

defenders were on guard with ultimate training munitions 

(UTM) to defend themselves from a series of unknown 

maneuvers from SEAL team operators infiltrating the FOS. 

Under the cover of darkness, the SEALs conducted a free-fall 

enabled nighttime raid supported by fixed wing and rotary 

wing assets. 

“After getting set up, we knew an attack was coming, but 

we didn’t know where it would come from,” said U.S. Air 

Force Senior Airman Aaisha Banks, 9th Security Forces 

Squadron cyber security liaison. “This is new training for 

most of us, and it helps us prepare for real world encounters 

by showing where our deficiencies are and where we can 

improve.” 

Alongside the 9th SFS Airmen were the 9th OSS 

Airmen, including airfield management, air traffic control, 

radar airfield and weather systems, who assisted in drop zone 

setup and integrated with SFS for multi-capable Airman 

training. 

On the second day of training, Beale Airmen went to the 

firing range to train on the M-249 light machine gun, M-240 

machine gun, M-4 carbine and P320-M18 pistol. They also 

utilized the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station 

(CROWS) system inside Mine Resistant Ambush Protected 

All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) firing the .50 caliber machine 

gun and MK-19 grenade launcher. The SEALs provided tips 

and techniques to enhance 9 SFS efficiency and lethality with 

various weapons systems. 

“The most memorable experience was using the 

CROWS system in the M-ATV since it gives us a safe 

position to strike our targets,” said Airman 1st Class Jaylin 

Charles, 9th SFS protection level 1 entry controller. “[The 

SEALs] also gave us great hands-on training on grip and 

stance for firing our handguns and rifles, as well as better 

squad tactics for machine gun firing.” 

The roles reversed on the third day of training as Beale 

Airmen executed re-capture operations alongside SEAL 

teammates. Using UTMs, the joint unit infiltrated the forward 

operating site, utilizing squad tactics to raid and secure the 

East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) 

fire a M224 mortar during Exercise Dragon Trident 1 at Fallon, 

Nevada, Jan. 30, 2024. This joint exercise gave SEALs and 9th 

Security Forces Airmen from Beale Air Force Base an 

opportunity to train on various weapons systems, increasing 

their efficiency and lethality. Photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. 

Samuel A. Burns.
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19

site. This exercise was beneficial for the Airmen and the 

SEALs, as it allowed them to see how the other side 

functions and how to operate as one cohesive unit. 

“When we look at strategic competition and future 

conflict, we need to establish the relationships in our joint 

community to ensure success on the battlefield,” said Chief 

Master Sgt. Christopher Ricks, 9th SFS senior enlisted leader. 

Training between Air Force security forces and Navy 

SEALs is not common, but a collaboration of senior leaders 

made it possible. 

“In November of 2022, [a Navy SEAL] and I were 

classmates at the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior 

Enlisted Academy (JSOFSEA) and had numerous 

conversations about the importance of joint operations and 

bringing our units together to train,” said Ricks. 

Throughout 2023, the conversations turned into actions 

that brought this unique training opportunity to life. Within 

14 months of the initial idea, Exercise Dragon Trident 1 

kicked off. 

“It’s always easy to say ‘no’ but it takes a lot of effort to 

say ‘yes’ and follow through on your promises and put 

forward the effort to make this type of training happen,” said 

the SEAL senior enlisted leader. “We wanted a near-peer 

adversary to present a difficult target set for our final end of 

cycle training exercise before going downrange. The 

planning during the exercise was very in depth and detailed. 

Upon assessing the base defense that was established, it 

forced the assault team to change the game plan on the fly, 

presenting a whole different level of complexity, which 

provided outstanding training value.” 

After three adrenaline-filled training days, both sides 

wrapped it up with in-depth feedback, pointing out areas for 

improvement for everyone involved. Those improvements 

are hoped to be implemented in the near future, as the 9th 

SFS and SEALs are expecting this to be the first of many 

joint exercises. This new training environment sharpened 

both the 9th SFS and SEALs skills, keeping them primed and 

ready for real-world wartime operations. 

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tristen Moncel, 9th Security Forces 

Squadron standardization and evaluations security forces 

evaluator from Beale Air Force Base, California (left), fires a M4 Carbine while an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare 

Operators (SEALs) evaluates his technique at Fallon, Nevada, 

Jan. 30, 2024. During Exercise Dragon Trident 1. Photo by U.S. 

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Samuel A. Burns.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Collin Domingo, 9th 

Security Forces Squadron tactical response team 

member, Beale Air Force Base, California, fires a 

MK-48 machine gun during Exercise Dragon 

Trident 1 at Fallon, Nevada, Jan. 30, 2024. Photo by 

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Samuel A. Burns.
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20

 East-coast based U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) conduct military free fall 

training with Allied Special Operations Forces near Athens, Greece Dec. 12, 2023. This training 

strengthens the relationship between U.S. Special Operations Command Europe and its Allies 

and partners throughout Europe, reinforcing the United States commitment to the region. Photo 

by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Bill Carlisle.
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Tip of the Spear

22

By Angela Fry 

Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical 

Training School 

In a historic ceremony recognizing the accomplishments 

of a distinguished graduate and the command’s past, the 

Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training 

School (NAVSCIATTS) recently presented its 2021 

Distinguished Alumni Award to Juan Manuel Pino Forero, 

the minister of public security for the Republic of Panamá. 

Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern 

Command (SOUTHCOM), presented the ninth annual 

award at a ceremony held on Feb. 2, at the minister’s office 

in Panamá City, with dignitaries such as Deputy Assistant 

Secretary of Defense Daniel Erickson, Deputy Assistant 

Secretary Eric Jacobstein, Amb. Sarah-Ann Lynch, deputy 

civilian to the SOUTHCOM commander, and component 

service chiefs from Panamá in attendance. 

In remarks to the audience, Richardson addressed the 

history of NAVSCIATTS across Latin America and the 

Caribbean and its impact from a global perspective. “For 60 

years, this command has established relationships and 

assisted in the development of partners across the globe; 

many of whom have ascended to the highest echelons of 

command in their countries,” Richardson expressed. 

Richardson, who assumed leadership of the unified 

combatant command responsible for an area that 

encompasses 32 nations in Central and South America and 

the Caribbean, and 14.5 million square miles in October 

2021, also described NAVSCIATTS’ relationship with 

Panamá, and other allies and partners within the area of 

operation. 

“The ties between NAVSCIATTS and Panamá are 

strong. Almost 10 percent of the security force professionals 

who have trained with NAVSCIATTS hail from the 

Republic of Panamá,” she explained. “As NAVSCIATTS 

continues to train future leaders from its global network, it 

is in the spirit of hard work, achievement, and commitment 

to sharing that we all look forward to a new generation of 

leadership to follow in Minister Pino’s footsteps.” 

“Strong Leadership in this region absolutely matters,” 

the general continued. “The many cross-cutting threats and 

challenges require a ‘call to action’ to show that 

democracies can deliver for their people. As Minister Pino 

often says, ‘Individually we are strong, but together we are 

invincible.’ And together, we will continue to demonstrate 

the power of partnership and the power of Team 

Democracy.” 

Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern 

Command, presents the ninth annual Naval Small Craft 

Instruction and Technical Training School (NAVSCIATTS) 

Distinguished Alumni award to Juan Manuel Pino Forero, the 

minister of public security for the Republic of Panamá, at a 

ceremony held on Feb. 2, at the minister’s office in Panamá 

City. NAVSCIATTS is U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command’s 

premier security force assistance training command 

operating in support of geographic combatant commands’ 

theater security cooperation priorities. Photo by Angela K. 

Fry.
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23

Pino, a graduate of NAVSCIATTS’ coastal operations 

and boarding officer courses in the early nineties when the 

command was located at the Rodman Naval Station in 

Panamá, was chosen for this award because of his many 

contributions in service at both the national and international 

levels. With a notable career in public service to his country, 

the minister has demonstrated a commitment to upholding 

law and order, ensuring the safety of Panamá’s citizens, and 

safeguarding its maritime interests. 

During his acceptance remarks, Pino conveyed his 

journey from a junior officer attending NAVSCIATTS 

courses at Rodman Naval Station to his current position, a 

journey that reflects the school’s success in producing 

capable leaders. He also recited the impact his experiences 

with NAVSCIATTS had on his institutional leadership 

throughout his career. 

“When NAVSCIATTS left Panamá, they left two boats,” 

the minister stated, referencing NAVSCIATTS relocation 

from Panamá to the United States in 1999. “One was a 

training boat and the other was a small riverine patrol vessel. 

I can say, with pride, that both of those boats are still 

functioning in Panamá. We have used them ever since the 

transfer of NAVSCIATTS, and I am grateful for this 

gesture.” 

He continued his remarks by discussing the many years 

of memories and experiences gained through his training 

with NAVSCIATTS, to include gaining knowledge of what 

is required to provide the necessary leadership to a public 

force. 

“When I visit the different institutions as the minister, I 

still see myself in uniform,” Pino reflected. “To them, they 

see me as the minister, but I remember the uniform and I tell 

them this to make them better and to leave them better than I 

was. Monday (Feb. 5) marks four years of my service as 

minister. I have a lot of satisfaction and pride and I tell the 

forces that the only difference between them and me is I 

have the responsibility. But we are all the same. I tell them 

with humility, you will capture the people’s hearts.” 

Pino ended his remarks to the audience by thanking the 

general and NAVSCIATTS commander for the presentation. 

“I have a lot of history and a lot of stories from my 35 years 

of service,” he added. “I appreciate this gift and I will take it 

home to my children because I continue to have all the 

pictures and have great appreciation for the memories from 

my time at NAVSCIATTS. 

NAVSCIATTS Cmdr. Robert LeClerc, a U.S. Navy 

SEAL who assumed command in September 2023, reiterated 

that the recognition of Pino as a distinguished alumnus 

serves as a reminder of the school’s enduring impact and the 

importance of investing in the education and training of 

future leaders in naval and security affairs. 

“The Distinguished Alumni Program supports our ability 

to recognize our allied and partner leaders who have helped 

strengthen and expand our country’s collective network of 

global partners and we look forward to training the next 

group of leaders who own the responsibility of ensuring 

global stability,” stated LeClerc, a 2006 graduate of the U.S. 

Naval Academy. “Minister Pino, NAVSCIATTS’ transition 

to a global command would not have been possible without 

Panamá, and our relationships and friendships continue to 

strengthen, enabling both countries to work towards our 

shared interests of peace, security, and prosperity,” 

In his closing remarks, LeClerc thanked the 

SOUTHCOM commander for her continued support of 

NAVSCIATTS, support that led to her testimonies to both 

the House and Senate Armed Services Committees and 

ultimately, to the command being addressed in the 2024 

National Defense Authorization Act. 

NAVSCIATTS, now located at the John C. Stennis 

Space Center along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, is home to 

some of the finest riverine and coastal training areas in the 

world. The international training command plays a crucial 

role in shaping skilled security force professionals, as Its 

curriculum focuses on the full spectrum of operations that 

provides U.S. allies and partners with the training necessary 

to aid in the detection of criminal networks as they combat 

activities pertaining to regional and global issues such as 

terrorism, narcotics and human trafficking, transnational 

organized crime, and violent extremist efforts. To date, 

almost 14,000 foreign security force professionals from 125 

partner nations have trained with the command. 

Juan Manuel Pino Forero, the minister of public security for 

the Republic of Panamá, provides remarks after receiving the 

2021 Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training 

School (NAVSCIATTS) Distinguished Alumni award at a 

ceremony held at his office on Feb. 2. Gen. Laura 

Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command 

(SOUTHCOM), presented the ninth annual award , with 

dignitaries such as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense 

Daniel Erickson, Deputy Assistant Secretary Eric Jacobstein, 

Amb. Sarah-Ann Lynch, deputy civilian to the SOUTHCOM 

commander, and component service chiefs from Panamá in 

attendance. Photo by Angela K. Fry.
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24

Courtesy Story

The 352nd Special Operations Wing welcomed 

World War II Chindit veterans Sid Machin, Robbie 

Robertson, and their families, to RAF Mildenhall in a 

celebration of Air Commando heritage, Jan. 24, 2024. 

The visitors toured an MC-130J Commando II 

and a CV-22B Osprey aircraft, saw demonstrations by 

Special Tactics Airmen, and learned how Chindit 

ancestry shaped the mission of the 352 SOW. They 

also toured a KC-135 tanker aircraft of 100th Air 

Refueling Squadron and the RAF Mildenhall Air 

Traffic Control Tower. 

The Wing’s history is deeply rooted in both the 

Chindits, who conducted ground operations in Burma 

during World War II, and the 1st Air Commando 

Group, the U.S. Army Air Force element that 

provided insertion, close air support, and resupply 

capabilities to the Chindits deep in Japaneseoccupied jungles. 

The 352nd Special Operations Wing hosted World War II Chindit veterans Sid Machin and Robbie Robertson, their families and 

representatives of the Chindit Society, in a celebration of Air Commando heritage as well as the camaraderie between U.S. and 

U.K. special operations forces, RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, Jan. 24, 2024. Photo by U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Remington 

Sawade.
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25

“It’s an incredible honor to have Sid and Robbie 

visit the 352nd to see how the foundation they laid 

for special operations forces has grown and 

developed over the years, and for them to teach 

current Air Commandos the history of the Wing,” 

said U.S. Air Force Col. Mark McGill, 352nd Special 

Operations Wing Commander. 

The 1st Air Commando Group laid the 

groundwork for the modern special operations wings 

that make up Air Force Special Operations 

Command. Following World War II, the group was 

disbanded, reformed with other missions, 

consolidated with other units, moved from the U.S. 

back to Europe and finally came to live at RAF 

Mildenhall in 1995 where it was upgraded from a 

special operations group to the 352 SOW in 2015. 

Despite restructuring throughout the 20th century, 

the need for units dedicated to special operations 

missions was recognized in the 1960s and the story 

of the Air Commando grew. This necessity fueled the 

evolution into today’s special operations wings, like 

the 352 SOW, that take on the most challenging 

missions the Air Force has to offer. 

The 321st Special Tactics Squadron carries on 

the legacy of special operations and 

disruption of adversary activities as a 

ground element integrating air and ground 

operations. The 67th and 7th Special 

Operations Squadrons provide specialized 

access and resupply support to ground 

elements with the MC-130J and CV-22B, 

respectively. 

The Chindit Society, an organization 

dedicated to honoring and preserving the 

legacy of the Chindits, helped coordinate 

the event and was represented by Lt. Col. 

(Ret.) Paul Corden of the British Army’s 

77th Brigade, named after the original 

Chindit Brigade, formed by Maj. Gen. 

Orde Wingate in 1942. 

Machin, his son Neil, and Corden flew 

on an MC-130J during the visit as well. 

The flight was Sid’s first time on a 

military aircraft since his time on active 

duty. 

The 352 SOW and the Chindit Society 

look to continue their strong partnership 

through events such as Chindit Reunions, 

the Wing’s Formal Dining Out, and other 

collaborations between the U.S. and the 

U.K. 

The 352nd Special Operations Wing hosted World War II Chindit 

veterans, their families and representatives of the Chindit Society, in a 

celebration of Air Commando heritage at RAF Mildenhall, United 

Kingdom, Jan. 24, 2024. The event highlighted how bonds between SOF 

personnel can transcend generations. Photo by U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. 

Remington Sawade.

The 352nd Special Operations Wing hosted World War II 

Chindit veterans, their families and representatives of the 

Chindit Society, in a celebration of Air Commando heritage as 

well as the camaraderie between U.S. and U.K. special 

operations forces, RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, Jan. 24, 

2024. Photo by U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Remington Sawade.
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26

By U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Cassandra Saphore 

Air Force Special Operations Command 

Members of the 371st Special Operations Combat 

Training Squadron Mobile Training Team (MTT) brought 

the new Special Operations Task Unit-192 course to a 

mission sustainment team assigned to Cannon Air Force 

Base last quarter. 

Over the course of a month, 371st SOCTS executed two 

iterations of SOTU-192, training fifty Air Commandos for 

deployment. This specialized ground combat training 

included instruction in land navigation, combatives, practical 

weapons training, tactical combat casualty care, and active 

shooter/care under fire scenarios. Additionally, they covered 

Special Operations Task Group and Joint Task Force 

awareness in preparation for operations in each echelon’s 

respective future operating environment. 

“The planning for this course, which started in 

November 2022, provided learning through realistic handson training and adaptive scenario-based exercises to 

reinforce learning,” said Colonel Robert Johnston, Air 

Commando Development Center-Provisional commander. 

“The training objectives are designed to sharpen their skills 

and encourage critical thinking to adapt to operations before 

the adversary can react.” 

The 371st SOCTS, which falls under the ACDC-P, is the 

formal training unit responsible for conducting Programmed 

Ground Training of Air Force Special Operations Forces on 

behalf of all core-SOF and non-core SOF personnel. 

The SOTU-192 is one of several formal training courses 

offered by 371st SOCTS that uses an attribute and scenariobased training model to deliver combat ready airmen who 

can think and operate in all domains. 

“Our goal is to provide the training our Air Commandos 

need to operate competently and confidently,” said Johnston. 

“By bringing this training to Cannon, we’re developing 

empowered leaders with the skills to impose dilemmas for 

our adversaries and ultimately deliver the lethality needed to 

win.” 

The mission of 371st SOCTS is to enable AFSOC Force 

Generation development by providing SOTU, Special 

Operations Task Group, Mission Sustainment Teams, and 

Theater Air Operations Squadron elements combat ready 

airmen who can think and operate in the air, land, and human 

domain.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Dejanee Harvey, 27th Special 

Operations Mission Sustainment Team supply journeyman, 

fires an M4A1 carbine under the guidance of a 371st Special 

Operations Combat Training Squadron instructor at the 

Special Operations Task Unit-192 course at Melrose Air Force 

Range, N.M., Nov. 2, 2023. Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. 

Vernon R. Walter III.
27

Tip of the Spear

U.S. Air Force Air Commandos with the 27th Special Operations 

Wing practice basic combat techniques during the Special 

Operations Task Unit-192 course with the 371st Special 

Operations Combat Training Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, 

N.M., Oct. 27, 2023. The course curriculum included medical 

response training, radio communications and combat exercises. 

Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Vernon R. Walter III.
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By Senior Airman Alexcia Givens 

27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs 

The 27th Special Operation Wing’s Remotely 

Piloted Aircraft (RPA) community and industry partners 

completed several capability demonstrations throughout 

December 2023 as part of Air Force Special Operations 

Command’s Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) 

development. 

As directed in the 2022 U.S. National Defense 

Strategy, AFSOC has shifted its priority from CounterViolent Extremist Organization operations to also being 

capable of countering near-peer and peer adversaries in 

contested or denied environments. A2E is a result of 

that shift, marking an evolution beyond using the MQ-9 

exclusively for Intelligence, Surveillance and 

Reconnaissance (ISR) and strike operations. 

“Adaptive Airborne Enterprise is vital to thickening 

the Joint Force kill web throughout the spectrum of 

conflict and continues to be AFSOC’s #1 acquisition 

priority,” said Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, AFSOC 

commander. “Our Air Commandos are incredibly 

innovative, capable, and driven...they are bringing A2E 

to life. We will continuously develop the concept to full 

capability through multiple demonstrations over the 

next few years.” 

A2E is broken into five phases, with the first three 

phases currently underway. 

Two MQ-9A Reaper remotely piloted aircraft operated by the 3rd Special Operations Squadron undergo pre-flight checks before 

an experimental multi-aircraft control flight for the Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Dec. 6, 

2023. MQ-9 units will leverage multiple platforms and later incorporate autonomy to deliver capabilities to special operations 

forces and the joint force across the spectrum of operations. This photo has been edited for security purposes by blurring out 

aircraft information. Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Vernon R. Walter III.
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In phase one, AFSOC aims to transition to a 

government-owned Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) 

command and control interface, replacing the stationary 

RPA control system. The new A2E interface will shrink 

a traditional RPA crew’s deployed footprint and provide 

operators with the flexibility and mobility to fly 

various aircraft from austere locations – whether 

operating from the back of an AC-130, home station, or 

even urban environments. 

“In the future, we’d like to take this from where 

we’ve fought in the past, a more permissive 

environment, to contested and denied spaces,” said U.S. 

Air Force Maj. Lindsay Scott, AFSOC Headquarters 

Rapid Capabilities Development Chief of Autonomous 

Capabilities. “Our goal is to ensure we are always 

bringing effects to the battle space.” 

In phase two, AFSOC’s objective is creating the 

capability for a single crew to fly multiple MQ-9s. 

According to the director of the 27th Special 

Operations Group’s RPA Operations Center, U.S. Air 

Force Maj. Joshua Radford, AFSOC plans to evolve 

past the historical standard of one crew operating one 

aircraft, the status quo for MQ-9 operations. 

“We’re moving towards a crew or a single operator 

controlling multiple aircraft,” Radford said. “And it 

doesn’t necessarily need to be the same platform.” 

Phase three entails a single crew controlling 

multiple types of UASs, ranging from Group 1 small 

uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) like the RQ-11B 

Raven, to larger Group 5 UASs like the MQ-9A 

Reaper. 

In phase four, a single crew will control formations 

of UASs from mobile and austere locations, leading 

into the final phase: creating new effects-based ISR 

units. These units could be comprised of UASs, 

forward deployed ground forces, cyber operators and 

space operators that can collaboratively employ UAS 

capabilities in permissive, contested or denied 

environments. 

The A2E demonstrations conducted in 2023 at 

Cannon AFB successfully validated many of the 

capabilities described in phases one through three. In 

June, the 27th SOW hosted Exercise Talon Spear, 

AFSOC’s first A2E sUAS collaboration exercise. 

“The goal of Talon Spear was to build a continuous 

improvement exercise,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. 

Mitch, the exercise coordinator assigned to the 27th 

SOG. “Throughout the exercise, several industry and 

DOD partners integrated various systems, to include 

weapon systems, specific cameras, onboard computer 

systems and tactical situational awareness tools.” 

During December’s demonstrations, a single 27th 

SOW RPA crew successfully exhibited two novel 

capabilities: controlling three MQ-9s utilizing a single 

common control interface and attaching and airlaunching a Group 2 sUAS from an MQ-9A. The next 

A2E demonstration is planned for Summer 2024. 

As the MQ-9 and its crews acquire the capability to 

direct sUASs carrying standoff sensor payloads, crews 

will be able to control swarms of air vehicles from 

anywhere. Additionally, AFSOC aims to continue 

developing and procuring A2E-compatible platforms, 

allowing the MQ-9 to act as a “mothership” for sUAS 

and loitering munition command and control, as well as 

a data transport node for mesh networks. 

These mesh networks, in concert with Artificial 

Intelligence technologies and an advanced Human 

Machine Interface, will allow AFSOC crews to operate 

multiple large and small UASs simultaneously, 

covering more terrain and prosecuting more targets in 

environments that are not currently accessible. 

“We depend on our innovative Air Commandos and 

industry experts to develop, experiment and grow this 

concept,” said Bauernfeind. “AFSOC is committed to 

advancing this capability and we appreciate the support 

of our defense partners and decision makers in 

prioritizing this acquisition.” 

By collaboratively pathfinding alongside defense 

industry partners and innovative Air Commandos, A2E 

will transform the current AFSOC MQ-9 enterprise into 

the robust UAS architecture required to deliver 

specialized airpower to current and future fights: any 

place, anytime, anywhere.

Altius employees perform pre-flight checks on a dual launch 

pod attached to an MQ-9 Reaper before an Airborne Adaptive 

Enterprise (A2E) demonstration at Cannon Air Force Base, 

N.M., Nov. 28, 2023. Adaptive Airborne Enterprise will utilize 

large and small uncrewed aircraft systems at scale, including 

a mix of attritable and expendable systems with modular 

payloads. Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nicholas Swift.
30

Tip of the Spear

Special Tactics Airmen assigned to 123rd Special Tactics 

Squadron and 21st STS prepare to board a U.S. Marine Corps MV22 Osprey aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 

266 prior to conducting combat search and rescue operations 

during Exercise Raven 24-3, Nov. 9, 2023. Exercise Raven is a 

training exercise held to evaluate all aspects of a Marine Special 

Operations Company prior to a special operations deployment. 

Photo by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Evan Jones.
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By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Henry Rodriguez II 

Marine Forces, Special Operations Command 

 

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations 

and Low-Intensity Conflict, Christopher Maier recently 

visited Marine Forces Special Operations Command at 

Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 17, 2024. 

Maier, who provides civilian oversight of the special 

operations forces enterprise, took time to meet with 

MARSOC’s senior leaders and Marine Raiders 

throughout the command. 

The goal of Maier’s visit was to learn more about 

MARSOC’s organization, current efforts, modernization, 

and command programs. He also had the opportunity to 

meet and speak with members of a recently deployed 

Marine Special Operations Team. 

“We are grateful for our opportunity to host the 

Honorable Mr. Maier,” said Maj. Gen. Matthew 

Trollinger, commander, Marine Forces Special Operations 

Command. “We discussed our command’s evolution from 

a counterterrorism focused force to one now more 

appropriately aligned and centered on supporting 

integrated deterrence, particularly in the littorals, while 

maintaining strong ties to the Marine Corps and our 

Raider Legacy.” 

MARSOC’s mission is to recruit, train, sustain, and 

deploy scalable, expeditionary forces worldwide to 

accomplish special operations missions assigned by U.S. 

Special Operations Command. To accomplish that, 

MARSOC equips and trains Marines to succeed in austere 

conditions against a wide range of adversaries in 

competition through conflict. Marine Raiders execute 

complex, distributed operations globally in uncertain 

environments, achieving silent success and strategic 

impact. 

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, Christopher Maier meets with Marine 

Forces Special Operations Command on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 16, 2024. Photo by U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. 

Henry Rodriguez II.
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33

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and 

Low-Intensity Conflict, Christopher Maier meets with Marines, 

Sailors, and civilians from Marine Forces Special Operations 

Command on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 16, 2024. 

During his visit, Maier had the opportunity to learn about 

MARSOC’s current and future operations as well as the 

programs they use to keep Marine Raiders in the fight. Photo 

by U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Henry Rodriguez II.
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34

By U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Marleah Miller 

U.S. Special Operations Command 

 

U.S. Special Operations Command hosted NATO 

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Feb. 1, during his final 

stop in the U.S. after meeting with leaders in D.C. and 

visiting Lockheed Martin in Troy, Alabama. 

Stoltenberg’s visit included a series of meetings with 

leaders and U.S. SOCOM’s Operations-International 

Engagement Branch NATO partners; however, his main 

reason for the visit was to meet with members of U.S. 

SOCOM 

“I’m impressed to see your NATO and global partners 

working in your HQ,” said Stoltenberg. “You are the best 

of the best – the key to the Alliance.” 

Stoltenberg assured members in the audience NATO 

understands we need to work together, and allies are 

investing more in special operations. 

“Thank you for your service – what you do every day,” 

said Stoltenberg. “It’s important for the NATO alliance.” 

American and international partners filled the room to 

hear Stoltenberg speak and they had the chance to ask him 

questions before he departed the headquarters. 

“I felt it was a privilege to get the opportunity to hear 

directly from the head of such a historic and important 

organization,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. 

Brandi Reynolds, senior enlisted leader of U.S. SOCOM’s 

Intelligence Capabilities and Requirements Division (J24). 

With Stoltenberg’s last visit to MacDill in 2017, this 

was seen as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for military 

members who attended. 

“It’s important because it comes back to one of our 

SOF truths,” said Reynolds. “Just like most special 

operations require non-SOF support, our enduring alliances 

and partnerships are vital to getting after our current and 

future strategic challenges – NATO is definitely one of 

those vital partnerships.” 

The NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, right, meets with members of U.S. Special Operations Command during his visit 

to U.S. SOCOM headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Feb. 1, 2024. U.S. SOCOM hosted NATO Secretary General Jens 

Stoltenberg to discuss our special operations relationships, our role in NATO SOF and where we share technology to support 

NATO’s mission. Photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Marleah Miller.
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35

The NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, hosts a public 

engagement with members of U.S. Special Operations Command during 

his visit to U.S. SOCOM Headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, 

Feb. 1, 2024. U.S. SOCOM hosted NATO Secretary General Jens 

Stoltenberg to discuss our special operations relationships, our role in 

NATO SOF and where we share technology to support NATO’s mission. 

The trans-Atlantic alliance of 31 like-minded North American and 

European countries within NATO have been securing peace for nearly 75 

years and serves as the bulwark of our shared values of democracy, 

individual liberty and the rule of law. Photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. 

Marleah Miller.
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36

By Michael Bottoms 

USSOCOM Public Affairs 

Legendary football coach Lou Holtz and his son 

Skip, also a successful football coach, visited the 

headquarters to give a seminar on leadership on Jan. 

26, 2024. This was the first time the father and son 

spoke together lecturing a seminar. 

The father son duo touched on many aspects on 

how to be a successful leader. 

Holtz senior began by saying he got his MBA in 

that he was “made by the army.” 

“I learned more in the Army than I ever did in 

college classes,” said Holtz senior. “I got to travel to 

16 countries to speak to troops from Korea to 

Afghanistan.” 

Holtz senior would go on breakdown techniques 

and methods behind successful leadership. 

“Never lower the standard to be well liked or 

popular. Have a vision. Lead by example. Get rid of 

the excuses why you cannot do something,” he said. 

“When you are a leader it is your obligation to make 

them to the best by showing them how to reach it. 

“There are three rules to follow if you want to lead 

an effective team. First, do what is right, know the 

difference between right and wrong ... be honest, on 

time, loyal ... racism, sexism, spousal abuse are 

wrong. Second, do everything to the best of your 

(From left to right) Coaches Skip and Lou Holtz, Gen. Bryan Fenton, commander, U.S. Special Operations Command and 

Command Sgt. Major Shane Shorter conduct a leadership seminar at the headquarters on MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 

26, 2024. Photo by U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Demetrius Munnerlyn.
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37

ability... maintain the little things ... when you let 

them slide, the big ones go,” he continued. “Last, 

show people you care.” 

The younger Holtz 

would take over for his 

father and expounded on 

his leadership principles. 

“What I learned from 

my father is that 

accountability and 

attitude are everything,” 

he said. “You stop 

worrying about what’s in 

your way, you achieve 

success.” 

He would relate a 

story when he was fired 

from college head coaching job and how he did not 

think it was fair, so he called his father and asked him 

what he thought. 

“He told me ‘Your job is not to make people 

happy. It is to lead the team. Write down what you 

would do differently. Instead thinking it is unfair, look 

internally at what you can do,’” he said. “It’s great 

advice.” 

The younger Holtz would also explain leadership 

is easy when things are going well, but a real leader 

gets evaluated in challenging times. 

“Adversity is a leader’s dream; adversity brings us 

together. You must lead with substance,” he said. “A 

football team, like the military, is like an iceberg – the 

hype is the 15% you see, 85% under water is the real 

value. That is where the heart and intangibles are.” 

The younger Holtz would go on to what he thinks 

makes a championship team. 

“You must learn how to compete because you 

execute the fundamentals. You learn how to win 

because you do the little things right. You need to 

learn how to manage winning – some teams win so 

much they take it for granted. Get the players/soldiers 

to take charge of the culture ... get on each other 

without the leader/coach,” he said. “Talented people 

determine capability – how well you do is determined 

by attitude ... we choose whether we succeed or fail. 

We choose to be positive or negative... proactive or 

reactive. We cannot be managed by public opinion. 

You need to lead from the inside out, not the outside 

in.” 

A question was asked how can you tell when your 

team owns their culture? 

“When your people understand what you are trying 

to do, and they buy into it. Your championship ring 

will be the same size. When your team takes charge 

and have pride,” the elder Holtz said. “They believe 

that what you have built is something special. They 

have pride and understand 

what they are doing is 

important.” 

“Your people must 

learn to follow before you 

learn how to lead. Culture 

is taught every day. 

People need to have a 

goal,” the younger Holtz 

said. 

Another question 

raised is how do you 

maintain your energy? 

“Everyone has 

problems. Those smiling are the ones who can manage 

them. You cannot have a bad day. You cannot have a 

low day. Every morning wake up, choose to be 

positive,” the younger Holtz said. “When you are 

leading your organization your frame of mind is to be 

successful.” 

The father and son really became connected near 

the end of the seminar with a touching moment on 

stage. Holtz senior looked at his son, and said “Son, 

I’m so proud of you.” 

Everyone has problems. Those smiling are 

the ones who can manage them. You 

cannot have a bad day. You cannot have a 

low day. Every morning wake up, choose to 

be positive. When you are leading your 

organization your frame of mind is to be 

successful. 

— Coach Skip Holtz

Coach Lou Holtz gives remarks during a leadership seminar 

at the headquarters on MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 

26, 2024. Photo by U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Demetrius 

Munnerlyn.
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38

By Matthew Gunther 

Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, 

Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense 

(JPEO-CBRND) 

Delivering lifesaving capabilities into the hands of 

warfighters who need them is a mission that the Joint 

Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, 

Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) doesn’t 

take lightly. Rapid access to cutting edge CBRN defense 

equipment is critical to the readiness and safety of the joint 

force, particularly for those who are at the “tip of the 

spear,” like US Special Operations Command operators. 

To that end, almost 400 individuals descended on Joint 

Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia 

Beach, Virginia in October to participate in Dragon Spear, 

a CBRN research, development, and acquisition training 

experiment (RDAX). Over the course of the four-day 

event, the JPEO-CBRND joined service members from 10 

joint force units, along with interagency and industry 

partners and leaders from the Office of the Assistant 

Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical and Biological 

Defense Programs, to put new CBRN defense technologies 

to the test in realistic operational scenarios. 

This was the second year for the experiment, which 

grew significantly since RDAX Dragon Spear was piloted 

in 2022. Experiments like Dragon Spear are critically 

important for both technology developers and end users 

like the special operations community. It gives the special 

operators a chance to “kick the tires” and provide real-time 

feedback on equipment that is still being developed. That 

feedback allows developers to adjust and improve during 

the early stages of development and, ultimately, deliver the 

best possible equipment and technologies. Additionally, 

RDAX allowed the JPEO-CBRND teams to train users on 

how they can combat new threats with new defense 

technology and decision support tools. 

The training scenarios used during RDAX Dragon 

Spear were designed to be realistic – simulating not only 

the environment, but also the operational challenges that 

teams face in a CBRN-contested space. This type of 

training allows SOF, explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) 

and CBRN units to try new approaches to solving 

problems and mitigating threats with new tools and 

technologies. 

Nearly half of the 40 technologies used during RDAX 

Dragon Spear were from the JPEO-CBRND’s portfolio and 

included protective gear, sensors and wearable health 

monitoring technologies. These products were rigorously 

evaluated by service members training in several different 

threat scenarios and JPEO-CBRND program offices 

received direct insight into how their products could be 

refined or enhanced to better meet warfighter needs. 

Three of JPEO-CBRND’s Joint Project Mangers (JPM) 

attended RDAX Dragon Spear to introduce and receive 

feedback on their gear and technology. The JPM for CBRN 

Special Operations Forces (JPM CBRN SOF) had the 

largest footprint at the event, which provided their 

developers with a crucial opportunity for connection and 

information exchange with the SOF community. Maj. 

Alberto Rios, who organized RDAX Dragon Spear, 

highlighted the significance of the interactive technology 

demonstrations, “Ultimately, showing is better than telling 

and gives us the opportunity for meaningful insights,” he 

said. 

As technology advances and devices become smaller, 

there are more opportunities to integrate CBRN sensors 

with unmanned air or ground vehicles. The team who 

attended from JPM CBRN Sensors collected feedback and 

provided training on the CBRN sensor integration on 

robotic platforms (CSIRP), which incorporates the compact 
Tip of the Spear

39

vapor chemical agent detector (CVCAD) and the 

proximate chemical agent detector (PCAD). 

For JPM CBRN Protection, RDAX Dragon Spear was 

an ideal venue to introduce and test its new CBRN 

protective suit and gloves, the uniform integrated 

protection ensemble family of systems general purpose 

(UIPE FOS GP). UIPE FOS GP is an Acquisition Category 

I program and will replace the legacy joint service 

lightweight integrated suit technology (JSLIST) that must 

be worn on top of a service member’s duty uniform. 

The UIPE FOS GP suit incorporates the required 

CBRN protection elements into the duty uniform itself, 

eliminating the need to wear two sets of separate garments 

and significantly reducing the gear’s weight and thermal 

burden. Bobby Brooks, Lead Program Analyst for the 

UIPE FoS GP, impressed upon service members, “this suit 

is not only your duty uniform, but it’s also lifesaving gear 

you can effectively operate in.” Unencumbering the 

warfighter so they can be successful in CBRN contested 

environments is paramount for the JPEO-CBRND. 

As the Defense Department looks to harness the power 

of wearable technology to inform medics, squad leaders, 

and command decision makers about the health and 

wellness of their troops, RDAX Dragon Spear included a 

focus on wearables with the potential to alert a wearer to 

CBRN agent exposure and early onset medical issues. The 

JPM CBRN SOF team evaluated multiple commercial-offthe-shelf wearable devices as part of the Office of the 

Secretary of Defense Wearables Pilot program. The devices 

included three wearable hydration monitoring systems, a 

biometric device (known as the Halo) worn behind the ear, 

and the Hexoskin, a base-layer “smart garment” used to 

collect vital signs without monitors that adhere to the skin. 

The team was particularly interested in learning about 

users’ attitudes on device fit, form and function during 

CBRND operations, and hearing how they want to use the 

data collected by these devices. 

The RDAX Dragon Spear experiment offered a unique 

environment for JPEO-CBRND developers to work 

directly with and get feedback from the joint force¬—the 

men and women who will one day rely on these 

technologies to protect them and their battle buddies from 

some of the scariest threats imaginable. Ultimately, RDAX 

Dragon Spear reinforced the JPEO-CBRND’s role as the 

Department’s lead for advanced development and rapid 

delivery of critical CBRN capabilities to the warfighter. 

A service member participates in a simulated CBRN training scenario during RDAX Dragon Spear 2023. The service member 

wears the uniform integrated protection ensemble family of systems general purpose (UIPE FOS GP) suit and M50 joint service 

general purpose mask (JSGPM) and uses robot dogs equipped with CBRN sensors. Photo by Alex Hillman.
A Naval Special Warfare operator repels from an 

MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to the “Black 

Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 

(HSC) 4, onto Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile 

destroyer USS Sterret (DDG 104) during a 

helicopter visit, board, search and seizure 

(HVBSS) drill. Sterett is assigned to Carrier Strike 

Group ONE and deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area 

of operations in support of a free and open IndoPacific. Naval Special Warfare is the nation’s 

maritime special operations force, uniquely 

positioned to extend the Fleet’s reach and gain 

and maintain access for the Joint Force in 

competition and conflict. Photo by U.S. Navy Petty 

Officer 1st Class Cole C. Pielop.