In what may be a sign of the growing, critical importance of the Indo Pacific, the military has announced six major training exercises in as many months. In addition to U.S. service personnel, other military elements taking part are from the Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Indian Navy, the Japan maritime self-defense force, and the Republic of Korea Navy.

In a news release, Joint Region Marianas listed the exercises that will take place from January to June as: Sea Dragon, Cope North, Cobra Gold, the Carrier Air Wing Strike Fighter Advanced Readiness program, Naval Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training, and Valiant Shield. JRM Commander Rear Admiral Benjamin Nicholson said "the safety and health of our military and civilian communities is a top priority while we conduct essential military exercises and training in Guam, the CNMI and the region."

It's not clear yet how many of the thousands of personnel will be granted shore leave during the exercises, but local hotel and restaurant association officials are expecting many of them to book reservations, providing a much-needed boost to an industry hard hit by the plunge in tourist arrivals.