Allies unite in the Indo-Pacific for Valiant Shield 26

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii — U.S. Pacific Command will lead joint U.S., allied and partner forces in the biennial exercise Valiant Shield 2026 from June 22 to July 1, with activities planned across the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Japan, and surrounding waters of the Mariana Islands Range Complex.

The multinational field training event centers on multi-domain interoperability, sharpening the force’s ability to detect, locate, track, and engage units at sea, in the air, in space, on land, and in cyberspace. It brings together the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force with allied and partner militaries to coordinate precise, multi-axis effects. With U.S. Space Command and U.S. Transportation Command involved, the exercise broadens cross–combatant command collaboration for large-scale operations.

Planners say the training readies the joint and combined force to move quickly in crises across the spectrum of operations, from humanitarian assistance and disaster response to armed conflict. “Valiant Shield demonstrates our enduring commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Adm. Steve Koehler, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “Exercising advanced multidomain capabilities with our allies ensures we continue to seamlessly innovate and operate together, project combat power together, and prevail over any challenge — together.”

As part of the exercise, the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group sailed in formation with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in the Philippine Sea on June 21. U.S. Navy participants include Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62), Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Shoup (DDG 86) and USS Benfold (DDG 65), and Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783). Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force participants include JS Kaga (DDH 184), JS Fuyuzuki (DD 118), and JS Jingei (SS 515). U.S. Navy aircraft attached to Carrier Air Wing 5 and U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs also flew over the formation.

Now in its 11th iteration, the exercise began in 2006 and has evolved with the security environment, incorporating new technology and concepts to further enhance joint lethality. Since 2024 it has operated as a multilateral field training exercise to deepen integration with allies and partners across domains, and this year marks the second time the Japan Self-Defense Forces has been heavily integrated in planning and execution.

The event is designed to strengthen regional and global power projection, providing integrated options to defend U.S. interests and those of like-minded nations.