Aaron Kidd
@kiddaaron.bsky.social
Pacific Bureau Chief for Stars and Stripes | Tokyo
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — Military and civilian personnel expecting to live outside this installation south of Tokyo may have to wait a month or more for a vacancy due to a severe shortage of military-approved housing.
Available housing in short supply on and off Navy’s largest installation in Japan
A severe shortage of military-approved housing around Yokosuka Naval Base has left troops and civilian personnel waiting a month or more for vacancies.
www.stripes.com
February 13, 2026 at 6:35 AM
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — Military and civilian personnel expecting to live outside this installation south of Tokyo may have to wait a month or more for a vacancy due to a severe shortage of military-approved housing.
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — Soldiers from four explosive ordnance teams spent the week on Oahu vying to represent the Pacific theater in the all-Army EOD Team of the Year competition in April.
Soldiers vie for title of top ordnance disposal team in Pacific theater
Soldiers from four explosive ordnance teams spent the week on Oahu vying to represent the Pacific in the all-Army EOD Team of the Year competition in April.
www.stripes.com
February 13, 2026 at 5:08 AM
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — Soldiers from four explosive ordnance teams spent the week on Oahu vying to represent the Pacific theater in the all-Army EOD Team of the Year competition in April.
Commercial fishermen on a remote Japanese island say the Japan coast guard has urged them to avoid fishing near the disputed Senkaku Islands ever since November comments by their prime minister increased tensions between Beijing and Tokyo.
Fishermen say Japan’s coast guard is warning them away from Senkaku Islands amid China row
Commercial fishermen on a remote Japanese island say the Japan coast guard has urged them to avoid fishing near the disputed Senkaku Islands.
www.stripes.com
February 13, 2026 at 12:48 AM
Commercial fishermen on a remote Japanese island say the Japan coast guard has urged them to avoid fishing near the disputed Senkaku Islands ever since November comments by their prime minister increased tensions between Beijing and Tokyo.
A U.S. Marine who fell overboard into the Caribbean Sea while deployed on the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima was declared dead this week after a three-day search, according to the Marine Corps.
Marine declared dead after falling off USS Iwo Jima in Caribbean Sea
A Marine who fell overboard into the Caribbean Sea while deployed on the USS Iwo Jima was declared dead after a three-day search.
www.stripes.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:36 AM
A U.S. Marine who fell overboard into the Caribbean Sea while deployed on the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima was declared dead this week after a three-day search, according to the Marine Corps.
Two U.S. Navy fast-attack submarines surfacing side by side off Guam — a rare sight for vessels designed to remain unseen — has drawn attention online and prompted discussion about undersea signaling in the Indo-Pacific.
Rare photos of 2 Navy submarines operating together off Guam draw attention
Two U.S. Navy submarines surfacing side by side off Guam has prompted discussion about undersea signaling in the Indo-Pacific.
www.stripes.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:05 AM
Two U.S. Navy fast-attack submarines surfacing side by side off Guam — a rare sight for vessels designed to remain unseen — has drawn attention online and prompted discussion about undersea signaling in the Indo-Pacific.
A South Korean brigadier general has become the first South Korean woman to serve as a deputy commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, the only U.S. Army division that integrates troops from another country into its ranks.
Historic appointment puts South Korean woman in senior combat division post
A South Korean brigadier general has become the first South Korean woman to serve as a deputy commander of the 2nd Infantry Division.
www.stripes.com
February 11, 2026 at 8:14 AM
A South Korean brigadier general has become the first South Korean woman to serve as a deputy commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, the only U.S. Army division that integrates troops from another country into its ranks.
Four Chinese coast guard vessels entered Japan’s territorial waters near the disputed Senkaku Islands this week, marking the second such incursion this year amid ongoing tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.
Chinese coast guard ships make second incursion near Senkaku Islands this year
Chinese coast guard vessels entered Japan’s territorial waters near the disputed Senkaku Islands for the second time this year amid ongoing tensions.
www.stripes.com
February 11, 2026 at 6:33 AM
Four Chinese coast guard vessels entered Japan’s territorial waters near the disputed Senkaku Islands this week, marking the second such incursion this year amid ongoing tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.
A multiagency search continued Wednesday in rough waters around Guam for a 22-year-old man swept beyond the reef line off Tanguisson Beach while swimming the previous evening, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Search underway for swimmer who went missing in rough waters off Guam
A search continued off Guam’s shore for a 22-year-old man swept beyond the reef line off Tanguisson Beach, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
www.stripes.com
February 11, 2026 at 5:02 AM
A multiagency search continued Wednesday in rough waters around Guam for a 22-year-old man swept beyond the reef line off Tanguisson Beach while swimming the previous evening, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea — U.S. and South Korean fighters launched Monday from this base south of Seoul for a scaled-up round of aerial combat training that will feature fewer drills but significantly more flights and participating forces, according to the South’s Ministry of National Defense.
US, South Korea fly fewer air drills but sharply increase joint combat sorties
U.S. and South Korean fighter jets kicked off an expanded Buddy Squadron exercise with more sorties, larger forces to strengthen joint air readiness.
www.stripes.com
February 10, 2026 at 8:03 AM
OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea — U.S. and South Korean fighters launched Monday from this base south of Seoul for a scaled-up round of aerial combat training that will feature fewer drills but significantly more flights and participating forces, according to the South’s Ministry of National Defense.
A new report from a U.S. foreign policy think tank is urging Washington to renegotiate a decades-old agreement with Japan to reduce the Marine Corps presence on Okinawa, arguing that the deal should instead be reversed to strengthen deterrence against China.
Think tank calls for keeping Guam-bound Marines on Okinawa to counter China
A report from a U.S. foreign policy think tank is urging the U.S. to renegotiate an agreement with Japan to reduce the Marine Corps presence on Okinawa.
www.stripes.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:54 PM
A new report from a U.S. foreign policy think tank is urging Washington to renegotiate a decades-old agreement with Japan to reduce the Marine Corps presence on Okinawa, arguing that the deal should instead be reversed to strengthen deterrence against China.
China and South Korea have discussed resuming joint maritime search-and-rescue drills that have been suspended for about 15 years, according to the South’s Ministry of National Defense.
China and South Korea hold rare defense talks, eye return of joint rescue drills
China and South Korea have discussed resuming joint maritime search-and-rescue drills that have been suspended for about 15 years, officials said.
www.stripes.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:43 AM
China and South Korea have discussed resuming joint maritime search-and-rescue drills that have been suspended for about 15 years, according to the South’s Ministry of National Defense.
CAMP COURTNEY, Okinawa — An infantry officer with experience in Okinawa, Italy, Iraq and Afghanistan has taken command of the Marine Corps’ only permanently deployed expeditionary brigade.
Marine expeditionary brigade on Okinawa changes hands ahead of Iron Fist drills
Brig. Gen. Ryan Hoyle — an infantry officer with experience in Okinawa, Italy, Iraq and Afghanistan — took command of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
www.stripes.com
February 9, 2026 at 12:37 AM
CAMP COURTNEY, Okinawa — An infantry officer with experience in Okinawa, Italy, Iraq and Afghanistan has taken command of the Marine Corps’ only permanently deployed expeditionary brigade.
Heavy snowfall is forecast across parts of Japan this weekend, prompting warnings about avalanches, hazardous travel conditions and increased risks for skiers and snowboarders.
Record snowfall prompts avalanche and travel warnings for northern Japan
Heavy snowfall is forecast across Japan, prompting warnings about avalanches, hazardous travel conditions and increased risks for skiers and snowboarders.
www.stripes.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:01 AM
Heavy snowfall is forecast across parts of Japan this weekend, prompting warnings about avalanches, hazardous travel conditions and increased risks for skiers and snowboarders.
SAPPORO, Japan — Short on experience but not creativity, a U.S. Navy snow-sculpting team leaned into a playful design that’s got some people humming a popular Beatles tune at this city’s annual Snow Festival.
Navy snow sculpture in Japan draws comparisons to Beatles’ ‘Yellow Submarine’
Navy snow sculpture made by sailors in Japan feature a submarine
www.stripes.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:41 AM
SAPPORO, Japan — Short on experience but not creativity, a U.S. Navy snow-sculpting team leaned into a playful design that’s got some people humming a popular Beatles tune at this city’s annual Snow Festival.
U.S. sailors recently joined American and Japanese civilian employees to mark Sasebo Naval Base’s 80th anniversary, gathering to form the number 80 for a commemorative photo at the installation in southern Japan.
Navy base in southern Japan marks its 80th anniversary with a symbolic gathering
U.S. sailors joined American and Japanese civilian employees for a special photo to mark the 80th anniversary of Sasebo Naval Base in southern Japan.
www.stripes.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:40 AM
U.S. sailors recently joined American and Japanese civilian employees to mark Sasebo Naval Base’s 80th anniversary, gathering to form the number 80 for a commemorative photo at the installation in southern Japan.
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — Shortly after Matthew Lohmeier became undersecretary of the Air Force in July, the former fighter pilot was briefed about the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities that took place just weeks earlier.
Logistics piece of Air Force’s combat plan a work in progress, undersecretary says
Aspects of the Air Force’s agile combat plan have shown to be effective, but some logistics pieces remain a work in progress, according to Matthew Lohmeier.
www.stripes.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:47 AM
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — Shortly after Matthew Lohmeier became undersecretary of the Air Force in July, the former fighter pilot was briefed about the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities that took place just weeks earlier.
NAHA, Okinawa — A U.S. airman convicted of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl on Okinawa is facing a civil trial after objecting to a court order requiring him to pay the victim about $17,500.
US airman refuses to pay restitution after Okinawa sexual assault conviction
A U.S. airman convicted of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl on Okinawa is facing a civil trial.
www.stripes.com
February 6, 2026 at 12:23 AM
NAHA, Okinawa — A U.S. airman convicted of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl on Okinawa is facing a civil trial after objecting to a court order requiring him to pay the victim about $17,500.
EDITOR'S PICK | You could say Leo Plummer, an Air Force technical sergeant who works at the U.S. airlift hub in western Tokyo, kept a family tradition alive.
Yokota-born airman is third generation to serve at airlift hub in western Tokyo
An Air Force technical sergeant continues a family tradition, working at Yokota Air Base, where his father and grandfather were stationed before.
www.stripes.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:59 AM
EDITOR'S PICK | You could say Leo Plummer, an Air Force technical sergeant who works at the U.S. airlift hub in western Tokyo, kept a family tradition alive.
The Defense Department continued its long-running string of appearances at the Singapore Airshow by sending four aircraft and the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific to participate in the event this week.
US aircraft, businesses among ‘anchor’ participants at this year’s Singapore Airshow
The Defense Department sent four aircraft and the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific to participate in the Singapore Airshow.
www.stripes.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:56 AM
The Defense Department continued its long-running string of appearances at the Singapore Airshow by sending four aircraft and the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific to participate in the event this week.
FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — The Hawaii-based 25th Infantry Division heads to the Philippines next month for its part in U.S. Army Pacific’s annual Operation Pathways training engagements with that nation’s armed forces. Just don’t call them “exercises.”
Hawaii’s 25th Infantry Division gears up for combat ‘rehearsals’ in the Philippines
The 25th Infantry Division out of Fort Shafter in Hawaii, heads to the Philippines next month to participate in the U.S. Army Pacific’s annual Operation Pathways training engagements that country’s a...
www.stripes.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:11 AM
FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — The Hawaii-based 25th Infantry Division heads to the Philippines next month for its part in U.S. Army Pacific’s annual Operation Pathways training engagements with that nation’s armed forces. Just don’t call them “exercises.”
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — A newly promoted lieutenant general will take command of 5th Air Force in Tokyo, a role that until recently was held by the head of U.S. Forces Japan but has now been split as the command expands into a broader mission.
A new 3-star general will lead 5th Air Force amid transformation of US Forces Japan
Joel Carey is set to take command of 5th Air Force in Tokyo, a role recently split off from U.S. Forces Japan as the command expands into a broader mission.
www.stripes.com
February 5, 2026 at 4:40 AM
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — A newly promoted lieutenant general will take command of 5th Air Force in Tokyo, a role that until recently was held by the head of U.S. Forces Japan but has now been split as the command expands into a broader mission.
KADENA TOWN, Okinawa — Local leaders lodged complaints this week after U.S. forces carried out parachute training at Kadena Air Base for the first time since the primary offshore training site reopened late last year.
Parachute jumps over American base draw fresh protests from Okinawa leaders
Okinawa officials contend parachute training at Kadena Air Base is no longer justifed after the U.S. military’s primary offshore site reopened last year.
www.stripes.com
February 4, 2026 at 7:33 AM
KADENA TOWN, Okinawa — Local leaders lodged complaints this week after U.S. forces carried out parachute training at Kadena Air Base for the first time since the primary offshore training site reopened late last year.
OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea — F-16 “super squadrons” stationed 50 miles from North Korea completed a five-day surge of high-tempo flight operations last week, testing their ability to rapidly generate combat airpower in a potential crisis on the Korean Peninsula.
Multiday flight surge tests Air Force’s new ‘super squadrons’ in South Korea
F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 35th and 36th Fighter Squadrons completed a five-day surge of high-tempo flight operations 50 miles from North Korea.
www.stripes.com
February 4, 2026 at 5:54 AM
OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea — F-16 “super squadrons” stationed 50 miles from North Korea completed a five-day surge of high-tempo flight operations last week, testing their ability to rapidly generate combat airpower in a potential crisis on the Korean Peninsula.
SAGAMIHARA, Japan — A U.S. soldier and an Army spouse recently teamed up to rescue a pajama-clad preschooler from a busy street near the headquarters of U.S. Army Japan.
US soldier, spouse recognized for quick thinking on Japanese city street
A U.S. soldier and an Army spouse recently teamed up to rescue a pajama-clad preschooler from a busy street.
www.stripes.com
February 3, 2026 at 7:38 AM
SAGAMIHARA, Japan — A U.S. soldier and an Army spouse recently teamed up to rescue a pajama-clad preschooler from a busy street near the headquarters of U.S. Army Japan.
Japan’s highest court has upheld a U.S. airman’s conviction for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl just over two years ago on Okinawa.
Japan’s Supreme Court dismisses convicted US airman’s final appeal in sexual assault case
Japan’s highest court upheld a U.S. airman’s conviction for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl just over two years ago on Okinawa.
www.stripes.com
February 3, 2026 at 7:19 AM
Japan’s highest court has upheld a U.S. airman’s conviction for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl just over two years ago on Okinawa.