美軍兩棲登陸演練 台灣受邀觀摩○自由 (2015.05.22)

注意左四的海軍陸戰隊旗

【Comment】

觀摩的演習是美國太平洋艦隊 Culebra Koa 15的一部份。觀摩地點在夏威夷的海軍陸戰隊Bellows訓練區。

這樣看來，台灣參加RIMPAC希望增大，至少作為觀察員。有法國參加，是因為太平洋到印度洋區間有法國的屬地吧！

美軍兩棲登陸演練 台灣受邀觀摩○自由 (2015.05.22)

我派劉豫屏少將與會

〔駐美特派員曹郁芬、記者曾韋禎／綜合報導〕美軍太平洋司令部二十日證實，美國已邀請台灣在內的二十二個國家參加美軍太平洋司令部兩棲領導人研討會（ＰＡＬＳ）。一百多位外國和美國的資深官員從十七日到十九日出席研討會並觀摩美軍的兩棲登陸演練，這是美軍首度舉行ＰＡＬＳ會議，台灣受邀有重要意義。

國防部發言人羅紹和昨證實此事，並表示任何有助於我們與美國軍事合作交流，均樂觀其成。

國防部長高廣圻在立法院被立委詢及此事時，僅低調說，我們與美國軍事交流一直持續，交流非常穩定。知情人士透露，我方這次是由陸戰隊九九旅旅長劉豫屏少將與會。

美國國防部發言人華倫上校日前在向媒體簡報時指出，這次研討會把印度洋到太平洋對兩棲作戰有興趣的盟邦和夥伴的陸戰隊與海軍齊聚一堂，與會者觀摩了美軍作戰想定的兩棲登陸演習。華倫說，這類交往有助美國和區域內的盟邦與夥伴有更好的訓練及協同作戰能力。

美國至今未邀請台灣參與美國的環太平洋軍演，日前眾院通過的國防授權法案包括一條修正案，要求歐巴馬政府若邀請北京出席下次的環太平洋軍演，必須邀台灣參加。台灣海軍陸戰隊初創時期是由美國海軍陸戰隊協助訓練，與美軍互動向來密切。

華倫也對媒體指出，根據國會通過的二千年國防授權法案，禁止美中在涉及兩棲登陸作戰和武力投射的軍事活動上進行軍事交流。中國解放軍這次因而未被邀請。

美軍首度召開PALS會議

美軍太平洋司令部二十日公布的新聞稿指出，美國邀請台灣在內的各國軍方高級官員參加ＰＡＬＳ會議，除討論兩棲登陸戰術、各自的軍事能力及未來的合作機會，也於十九日觀摩美軍的兩棲登陸演習。

強化盟國協同作戰能力

美軍表示，ＰＡＬＳ有助強化區域盟國與夥伴國的協同作戰能力，而這樣的研討會也為強化區域穩定奠定基礎，大家都受惠。美軍這次由陸戰隊第一五遠征隊執行兩棲登陸演練，而兩棲登陸載具則由隸屬於第七艦隊的拉許摩爾（USS Rushmore）號發動。

除了台灣之外，這次受邀的國家包括日本、越南、菲律賓、印尼、澳洲、孟加拉、柬埔寨、加拿大、智利、哥倫比亞、法國、韓國、馬來西亞、墨西哥，紐西蘭、秘魯、新加坡、斯里蘭卡、泰國、東加王國和英國。其中有許多國家在東海及南海與中國有主權爭議。

Foreign Military Leaders Observe U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Landing during U.S. Pacific Command Amphibious Leaders Symposium○USPACOM (2015.05.20)

Representatives from 22 nations observed an amphibious landing by the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit May 19, 2015.  Amphibious Assault Vehicles launched from the USS Rushmore.

The landing is part of U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Culebra Koa 15, an on-going joint sea-basing exercise taking place in Hawaii at the same time as the U.S. Pacific Command Amphibious Leaders Symposium.  Symposium participants visited MCTAB to watch the beach assault after discussing amphibious doctrine the day prior.

The three-day U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific-led PALS, is an event designed to bring together senior leaders of allied and partner Marine Corps, naval infantries, and militaries spanning the Indo-Asia-Pacific region with interest in military amphibious capability development.  The objective is to have meaningful dialogue on key aspects of maritime and amphibious operations, capability development, and interoperability.

AAVs traveled from ship-to-shore, a tactic the Marine Corps has practiced since World War II.  Two U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion vehicles followed the AAVs, demonstrating another amphibious capability to those observing.

The PALS event aids in strengthening interoperability with allied and partner nations throughout the region. Events like PALS help pave the way for enhanced regional stability beneficial to all.

“What we are trying to do is bring together senior amphibious leaders to talk about things that matter to them and their country and maintain a peaceful way of moving forward,” said Maj. Christina Henry, Southeast Asia lead planner with MARFORPAC.

Representatives have been together since May 17, talking about ship-to-shore tactics, capabilities of their respective militaries and new opportunities to work together in the future.

Countries participating include Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, United Kingdom and Vietnam.

“We gather, work and discuss to overcome challenges now and in the future, especially on the sea,” said Indonesian Navy Col. Halili, naval attaché to the United States.  “We are looking to enhance our relationship, partnership and friendship to make our region more secure.”

The Marine Corps participates in several multinational exercises and events like PALS year-round.  Participation with partner nations in military events and exercises helps strengthen relationships with countries in the region, which in turn, fosters greater stability and prosperity.

“It is our obligation (and responsibility) to overcome challenges (in the Pacific),” Halili said.  “The goal is to have zero enemies and peace and grow the economy in our region.”