Space Force

Freedom Shield 25 was held March 10 – 21, 2025, all across the Republic of Korea’s land, sky and surrounding seas.

In a rare integration of tactical and operational training, FS25 included full-scale rehearsals of almost all ROK-U.S. Alliance air component capabilities to increase interoperability and reinforce the ROK-U.S. combined defense posture.

“It ensures that units maintain a high state of preparedness, proficiency in mission execution, and the ability to be in the fight tonight,” said Master Sgt. Joseph Ryan Bonita, 8th Fighter Wing superintendent of Wing Inspections.

For the live-fly training, both Seventh Air Force and ROK Air Force Operations Command executed agile combat employment movements, deploying fighter aircraft units to conduct flying operations from alternate locations around the theater.

Together, the two nations generated approximately 1,000 combat training sorties in a five-day period, while only using just over 35 percent of the total combat airpower available. The training integrated fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft, as well as Navy and Marine aviation assets, into the rehearsal to ensure a broad range of capabilities were tested and reinforced.

The training focused on realistic threat scenarios requiring complex planning, coordination and execution across the combined force.

“FS25 gave us the chance to work on our crisis management policies in a very intimate workplace with our ROK counterparts,” said Maj. Kyle James, a Seventh Air Force augmentee in FS25’s battle staff. “What we gave back to FS25 was combined joint integrated air support and air power.”

The flying training could not have occurred without the full support of both the 51st and 8th Fighter Wing, the 607th Air Operations Center, the 607th Air Support Operations Group, units from the 694th Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, and multiple organizations across the Republic of Korea Air Force and joint partners in the U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Space Force.

Logistics, manpower, maintenance, and munitions assets and personnel in particular played a critical role in ensuring Seventh Air Force remains trained and equipped to meet any threat, in combination with its ROK allies. They supported the movement and bed-down of hundreds of personnel and dozens of aircraft across the Korean theater of operations, along with the necessary equipment and supplies, while ROKAF provided the majority of the aerial refueling support.

“Freedom Shield demonstrated we have the combat airpower, the logistics, the mobility, and the defensive systems, and the will to crush any attack, sustain combat operations over the long run, and if necessary, defeat any adversary,” said Lt. Gen. David Iverson, U.S. Forces Korea deputy commander, and commander of Seventh Air Force and Combined Air Component Command.

All of which, and more, followed in lockstep with Freedom Shield 25’s role as one of the largest training events between the U.S. and ROK, which enhances combined, joint all-domain readiness and strengthens the security and stability on the Korean peninsula and across Northeast Asia.

From February 24th to March 7th, the 11th Field Hospital embarked on an exhilarating training exercise called Operation Torch (OPTORCH). This dynamic operation focused on preparing for the demands of large-scale combat operations (LSCO), and it was an endeavor the new 11th Field Hospital (FH) Commander, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Nicole H. Brown, knew could be successfully achieved.

The current conflicts in Ukraine have taught us that all sites, which state or non-state actors can potentially reach, could be targets. The FH Commander, LTC Brown, is aware that in order to succeed in future operations, military medical tactics must adapt to the ever-changing battle space. Therefore, after selecting the site for this operation, and with LTC Brown’s guidance and leadership, the Soldiers infilled a 32-bed field hospital into an existing structure.

The leader identified to execute and develop this strategic plan was the Chief of Operations for the 11th Field Hospital, Major (MAJ) Ellen Simpson. MAJ Simpson stated, “During OPTORCH, we utilized a building of opportunity for our field training exercise (FTX) to better prepare us for future wars in the LSCO environment. Putting our field hospital out in the open is no longer a safe choice, so finding a building where we can build our facility is the best option, and that’s what we a have accomplished on this FTX. I think it was an incredible experience. There have been raving reviews about all the training that was completed, and we can’t wait to do it.”

The Senior Enlisted advisor for the OPTORCH was Master Sergeant (MSG) Brian Thomas McCandless. He was responsible for helping shape the operation on the ground level, as well as helping find solutions during the construction of the FH. MSG McCandless stated, “We had to set up a 32-bed field hospital in a simulated LSCO environment, so with the help of our brothers and sisters from the Air Cavalry, we utilized a hanger and were able to set up our field hospital within the constraints of the building. Everything went really well, and we were really excited to see these Soldiers train. We covered Individual Critical Task Lists (ICTL) that were needed to keep our Soldiers proficient in their skills. We even conducted a Soldier of the Month board. It was very successful, and I am very happy about the overall results.”

Subject matter experts (SME) from different medical disciplines were consulted during OPTORCH not only to teach medical capabilities, but also to test Soldiers with medical injects like those seen in current combat environments. Captain (CPT) Hugh D. Elsea, a critical care nurse and an SME, stated, “One of the highlights from the white cell perspective was watching the Soldiers progress in their training. Some of them had very limited training using the field hospital equipment. Watching them progress with the amount of fidelity that we were able to put in each inject was super awesome. It was the greatest thing ever.”

During this two-week, 24-hour day exercise, Soldiers focused on mobilization, medical command and control, medical logistics, medical evacuation, hospitalization, medical treatment, and laboratory services, all within the confines of an unfamiliar location with multiple medical injects. The FH commander, LTC Brown, stated, “The intent of OPTORCH was to train in our individual critical tasks, as well as our mission essential tasks, in order to prepare us for any kind of expeditionary deployment. During the last two weeks the team really came together. We built some cohesive teams on the medical side and on the sustainment side, everyone was working together for the aim of providing hospitalization in an expeditionary environment. I am confident that when called to support worldwide operations the 11th Field Hospital is trained and ready to meet and exceed that mission.”

The total infill time for OPTORCH was 17 hours from departure to a complete 32-bed Field Hospital. Logistically, it had some challenges that were easily mitigated through careful planning and analysis. The hard work of the 11th FH staff and Soldiers demonstrated that no matter the location, weather, or terrain, the 11FH stands ready to deploy and treat Service Members, civilians, and coalition forces at a moment’s notice, “Anytime, Anywhere.”

By Joe Markowski, Submarine Readiness Squadron 32 Public Affairs

GROTON, Connecticut – A delegation from the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) visited the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS California (SSN 781) at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut on March 21, 2025.

The visit was the final stop of a larger U.S. Navy Submarine Force familiarization tour to learn about submarine operations and their impact on national defense. The tour included visits and presentations at the Submarine Force’s primary shipbuilding facility at General Dynamics Electric Boat, a working lunch with Groton-area commanders at the Undersea Warfare Development Center UWDC), and training evolutions at the Naval Submarine School.

Rear Adm. Michael Van Poots, the senior Naval officer in Connecticut and UWDC commander, hosted the group for a working lunch, saying “it was excellent to host members from the Council on Foreign Relations and local undersea leadership to discuss the importance of maintaining our superiority in the undersea domain.”

Van Poots welcomed the group led by Capt. Thomas P. O’Donnell, former Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 12 commander who’s in a one-year military fellowship at the council, described the significance of the visit, stating it “underscores the critical role of the U.S. Navy, the Submarine Force, and the maritime industrial base in U.S. national security.”

“By engaging with key naval leaders and exploring advanced facilities, CFR members aim to deepen their understanding and advocacy for the future support of the U.S. Navy’s strategic capabilities,” O’Donnell said. “My role as the CNO fellow at the CFR allows me to participate in outreach events, like this trip to the Submarine Capitol of the World, leveraging my expertise and insights as a senior naval officer to foster meaningful discussions and collaborations that enhance the members’ understanding of global issues and U.S. foreign policy.”

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is one of the preeminent sources used to guide and influence U.S. policy development across all elements of national power, predominantly in foreign policy and international relations.

“The council’s mission is to inform people of the U.S role in the world and the tour allowed them to experience first-hand the critical role the Submarine Force has on the Navy’s role in national security,” O’Donnell added.

O’Donnell’s role at the CFR allows senior military officers to engage in high-level research and policy discussions, collaborate with leading experts on global issues, contribute to CFR’s research initiatives, and gain insights into international affairs and U.S. foreign policy.

Cmdr. Kenneth Kirkwood, commanding officer of USS California, spoke to the importance of CFR’s visit, explaining that “they can see not only the capabilities that we have to offer as a military, but also the great work that our sailors do.

“I hope that they walk away with an appreciation for not only the spaces that we live and work in, but the hard work the sailors put in to be able to go out there, do the missions, and provide the presence that we do across the globe,” Kirkwood added.

Stephen Rodriguez, a CFR member, defense industry professional, and founder of a technology-enabled consulting firm, described the tour’s significance on military strategy and policies, saying “it gives you a really clear sense of the importance of our undersea warfare capabilities.”

“It gives you a sense of the incredible Americans who are supporting the vision,” Rodriquez said. “The very nature of what our separate forces do is not easily seen or understood outside of movies. So, coming here and seeing the submarines – and the teams that take care of them and keep them ready for war – it gives us a real sense of what’s required to make that happen.”

Rodriguez was one of 24 renowned scholars, practitioners, and policymakers who offer innovative solutions to global issues. The CFR is an independent, nonpartisan organization, think tank and publisher which aims to influence U.S. foreign policy and national security, including advocating for the importance of supporting elements of national security – such as the U.S. Navy and the maritime industrial base.

California and crew operate under Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 12, whose primary mission is to provide attack submarines that are ready, prepared, and committed to meet the unique challenges of undersea combat and deployed operations in unforgiving environments across the globe.

USS California has a crew of more than 130 personnel, is more than 377 feet long and can displace nearly 7,900 tons. California was the eighth Virginia-class submarine built when it was commissioned in October of 2011, and is the seventh U.S. Navy ship named for the state of California, most recently following a nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser in commission from 1974-1999. Previous ships to bear the name USS California included a Tennessee-class battleship that was active during World War II and a Pennsylvania-class cruiser that went on to serve during World War I.

Fast-attack submarines are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence. They are designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare. Fast-attack submarines project power ashore with special operations forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or response to regional crises.

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea – The U.S. military’s premier deployable and multifunctional Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) command participated in Exercise Freedom Shield 25 in the Republic of Korea, March 10 – 20.

American Soldiers and Army civilians from the 20th CBRNE Command trained with Eighth Army and Combined Forces Command units during the exercise.

Soldiers and Army civilians from the 20th CBRNE Command deploy to ROK from 19 bases in 16 states to maintain the Alliance’s readiness in support of joint, interagency and multinational operations.

Headquartered on Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in Northeast Maryland’s science, technology and security coordinator, the 20th CBRNE Command is home to 75 percent of the active-duty U.S. Army’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) specialists and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians, as well as the 1st Area Medical Laboratory, CBRNE Analytical and Remediation Activity, Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordination Teams and Nuclear Disablement Teams (Infrastructure).

Soldiers and Army civilians from the 20th CBRNE Command routinely deploy to ROK for exercises and send a Chemical Corps company to support rotational forces.

Maj. Steven M. Modugno, the public affairs director for the 20th CBRNE Command, said the 20th CBRNE Command routinely trains on the Korean Peninsula.

“Together with our ROK partners, we contribute to security on the Korean Peninsula and the stability in Northeast Asia. This alliance is the strongest in the world and this exercise makes our forces even more lethal,” said Modugno, a native of Santa Clarita, California, who previously served with the South Korea-based 2nd Infantry Division and will return to the storied formation as its public affairs director later this year.

“We are proud to put in the hard work with our ROK allies to ensure we always are ready to ensure both our nations’ security,” said Modugno.

Freedom Shield, a combined exercise, demonstrates the U.S.’ ironclad commitment to the defense of the ROK and broader regional security against a full spectrum of security threats.

Featuring live and constructive simulations, Exercise Freedom Shield covered everything from multidomain operations to countering Weapons of Mass Destruction operations.

This exercise reflected realistic threats across all domains and validated the alliance’s ability to leverage land, sea, air, cyber and space assets.

“Freedom Shield 25 is a routine, annual, and defensive-in-nature exercise conducted to enhance the readiness and interoperability of the ROK-U.S. Alliance,” said Col. Ryan M. Donald, the public affairs director for United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea.

“We are committed to building readiness at every level – human, procedural, and technological – ensuring our combined forces are prepared to defend the ROK, protect its residents, and safeguard our homelands.”

Donald, the top American military public affairs officer in South Korea, is a former public affairs director for the 20th CBRNE Command. Donald said the multifunctional 20th CBRNE Command brings unique capabilities to the alliance that reinforce the combined defense posture.