Photo Information

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joshua Blake, a fixed wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 refuels an F-35B Lightning II, embarked aboard the amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 14, 2022, in preparation of a joint maritime strike rehearsal to demonstrate service components fires and effects capabilities in the maritime environment during exercise Valiant Shield 22 (VS 22). Exercises such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Task Force the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct long-range, precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Task Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mitchell Austin)

Photo by Cpl. Mitchell Austin

U.S. armed forces to conduct exercise Valiant Shield 24 in Palau

7 Jun 2024 | Capt. Stephanie Leguizamon I Marine Expeditionary Force

More than 600 U.S. service members are scheduled to conduct training across the Palau island chain during U.S. Pacific Fleet led exercise Valiant Shield 24, June 7-18, 2024.

Valiant Shield 24 is a multinational, biennial field training exercise focused on integration of joint training in a multi-domain environment. In Palau, Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen will enhance their expertise and combat readiness through immersive training that integrates maritime, aviation, and land operations.

President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. said partnering on exercises, such as Valiant Shield, is Palau's contribution to regional security and helps fulfill Palau's obligations as outlined in the Compact of Free Association signed 30 years ago.

“Effective communication is the cornerstone of our collaborative efforts to foster peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. It is our shared understanding that such harmony is essential for driving economic growth and prosperity,” President Whipps said.

Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, headquartered at Camp Pendleton, California, is leading the joint contingent in Palau. Additional units participating in Palau include elements of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, the U.S. Army’s 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force, the U.S. Air Force 556th Test and Evaluation Squadron and 27th Fighter Squadron, and the U.S. Navy’s 30th Naval Construction Regiment.

“During Exercise Valiant Shield 24, the safety and well-being of our service members and Palau's residents are paramount,” said Col. Matthew K. Mulvey, commanding officer of CLR-17. “Rigorous safety measures will be implemented, including close coordination with local authorities and strict adherence to operational guidelines.”

Exercise VS24 underscores the enduring partnership between the United States military and Palau, highlighting the mutual commitment to regional security and cooperation.

The U.S. Pacific Fleet VS24 exercise announcement is available at https://www.cpf.navy.mil/Newsroom/News/Article/3796554/allies-come-together-in-the-indo-pacific-valiant-shield-24/. Imagery and stories about VS24 can be found at https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/ValiantShield.


I Marine Expeditionary Force