“Preparation Becomes Tomorrow’s Shield” as Orient Shield 26 Closes
CAMP HIGASHI-CHITOSE, Japan— Soldiers from Alaska’s 11th Airborne Division, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Northern Army and 1st Airborne Brigade, and Australia’s 1st Division gathered at Camp Higashi-Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, Sept. 24, 2026, for the closing ceremony of Exercise Orient Shield 26. The leadership for the trilateral force spoke, reflecting on lessons learned and partnerships strengthened throughout the exercise.
CAMP HIGASHI-CHITOSE, Japan— Soldiers from Alaska’s 11th Airborne Division, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Northern Army and 1st Airborne Brigade, and Australia’s 1st Division gathered at Camp Higashi-Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, Sept. 24, 2026, for the closing ceremony of Exercise Orient Shield 26. The leadership for the trilateral force spoke, reflecting on lessons learned and partnerships strengthened throughout the exercise.
