Zach Ota
@zach_ota
Followers
2,593
Following
2,020
Media
2,747
Statuses
9,439
Beholding the Pacific | Non-resident fellow @TheKrulakCenter | Maritime fellow @ycapsjapan
Honolulu, HI
Joined May 2013
Don't wanna be here?
Send us removal request.
Explore trending content on Musk Viewer
HAPPY TRACKLIST
• 246368 Tweets
hobi
• 236273 Tweets
Rosé
• 234895 Tweets
Trudeau
• 215835 Tweets
Tuchel
• 168074 Tweets
Mutuse
• 129550 Tweets
Jimmy Carter
• 115025 Tweets
Polymarket
• 68049 Tweets
Taka
• 63081 Tweets
WELCOME BACK J-HOPE
• 60122 Tweets
JUNG HOSEOK IS BACK
• 55150 Tweets
Tyler
• 54844 Tweets
#السوبر_لمصالحه_الجمهور
• 54841 Tweets
STRAY KIDS COME TO PLAY
• 48161 Tweets
Genaro García Luna
• 47110 Tweets
Elisha Ongoya
• 43798 Tweets
Pina
• 27575 Tweets
Vargas
• 25955 Tweets
Toru
• 24988 Tweets
Cynthia
• 24478 Tweets
Lina
• 24319 Tweets
Hannah
• 21239 Tweets
Marra
• 16071 Tweets
Pablo Biró
• 14791 Tweets
HastalarınYeri CezaeviDeğildir
• 13617 Tweets
Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu
• 12549 Tweets
ソロデビュー
• 11370 Tweets
Gary Barlow
• 11035 Tweets
Pinned Tweet
Dylan and I have ideas on how to better deter an invasion of Taiwan.
26
85
380
“I want to turn the Taiwan Strait into an unmanned hellscape” if the PLA attempts to invade Taiwan.
- Admiral Paparo, CDRUSINDOPACOM
China’s likely strategy is to overwhelm Taiwan with a massive attack with little warning. Xi doesn’t want to repeat Russian President Vladimir Putin’s mistake in Ukraine in 2022, when Russia’s initial full-scale invasion failed and devolved into a long war of attrition.
The key
183
385
1K
45
274
3K
Just a regular reminder that service members largely rely on mail-in ballots to exercise the constitutional rights we defend with our lives.
297
475
3K
This December 7th, I’d like to highlight some of the Pearl Harbor memorials that receive less attention, especially as it becomes harder for survivors to return to the site of the attacks.
1/
22
148
1K
267,000 more islands in the alliance, you say?
Sweden is the world's largest archipelago. It has more than 267,000 islands.
How do the Swedes define an “island” in their straits and seas? Any piece of land you can stand on with two dry feet.
Here's how adding 🇸🇪's 2,000-mi coastline and 1,000s of islands will change NATO
58
409
4K
13
46
1K
Fair winds and following seas, old friend
Former USS Tarawa (LHA-1) Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship being towed out of the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility in Pearl Harbor by USNS Grasp (T-ARS-51) Safeguard-class salvage ship for SINKEX during RIMPAC 24 - July 16, 2024
#usstarawa
#lha1
SRC: TW-
@warshipcam
13
84
535
11
88
1K
Contrary to popular belief, French MREs do NOT contain wine.
They are, however, delicious.
91
82
1K
When your China Coast Guard vessel is outfitted for bumper boats, you’re probably not upholding the rule of law.
China Coas Guard collides with resupply ship, Philippine Coast Guard vessel. Last time, it came as close as one meter. (Video c/o AFP Western Command
@gmanews
@24OrasGMA
35
213
397
45
242
1K
Due to a twist of fate, cancelled holiday plans, and uncanny timing, I met some amazing people and was finally able to see the small bit of France that family and friends from our small town in Hawai’i liberated during WWII.
A short thread:
1/
30
116
978
This is the treatment that awaits “small countries” if 🇨🇳 hijacks the international order.
Great respect to our 🇵🇭 allies for remaining resolute in the face of unprovoked aggression and intimidation.
The CCG launched a brutal assault on the AFP personnel aboard an AFP Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), aggressively ramming it and brandishing bladed and pointed weapons, explicitly threatening to harm AFP troops.
130
985
2K
42
162
974
I was honored and humbled to represent our country alongside our Allies at this year’s Belleau Wood commemoration.
“We came to liberate, not conquer. The only land we asked for was to honor our dead.” -
@MarkHertling
#MemorialDay
@usabmc
15
83
765
Our hometown hero, Astronaut Ellison Onizuka, was a Lt Col in the Air Force when he tragically passed away aboard the Challenger.
Today, I found out I’m selected for the same rank in the Marines.
I strive to serve with a fraction of the dignity and valor that Ellison did.
61
39
758
As a guy who used to lead the Advanced Anti-Tank Missileman Course, a unit hitting 7 of 17 moving, non-thermal targets at variable ranges with the TOW-2A using the older M220 sights while under simulated combat conditions in day and night is not bad, actually.
"Taiwan's military says it will hold a meeting to evaluate the use of TOW missiles following reports that only 7 of 17 projectiles hit their target during drills this week"
1
1
10
15
41
637
Seems like a good time to remind the PRC and the China Coast Guard of the U.S. Navy’s resolve to defend our allies and partners.
🇵🇭 🇺🇸
JUST IN: China Coast Guard ship 21551 rams the BRP Datu Sanday 10 nautical miles from Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea at about 2:11 p.m. The Inquirer is aboard the BRP Datu Sanday. |
@NCorralesINQ
/PDI
147
441
727
16
41
607
The Arsenal of Democracy grows larger
NZ endorses US push to expand weapons-making defence industrial base
5
30
119
6
37
597
Rewatching a classic tonight in honor of the Scribe, Evan Wright
Of all the deaths this weekend, this one stings the most. No one captured the invasion of Iraq more honestly.
20
123
901
2
40
568
I believe President Ford had words for moments such as these.
.
@Austal_USA
has successfully launched future USS Pierre (LCS 38), the last ship of the U.S. Navy's Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program 🇺🇲
9
30
178
6
51
542
Adm. Stephen Koehler, commander, US Pacific Fleet, left, meets with Adm. Hu Zhongming, commander of PLA Navy, right, at Western Pacific Naval Symposium in Qingdao, China, April 21. They discuss increasing security challenges in Indo-Pacific.
7
20
146
5
46
531
He’s a sailor, a soldier, he flies, and he’s amphibious by nature.
Donald Duck is our best hope to unify the joint force.
Today is Donald Duck day to mark the 90th birthday. Although Donald is often associated with the Navy because he favors a sailor's jumper and flat cap, he was drafted into the Army during WWII. He was promoted to sergeant and discharged on his 50th birthday in 1984.
11
130
591
10
45
492
If only we had some kind of ship that could deliver forces and supplies across contested beaches without a pier.
It’d be even better if they came loaded with a fighting force that could secure a beachhead.
Just an idea.
BREAKING: Aid deliveries are suspended in Gaza after rough seas damaged a U.S. built temporary pier, three U.S. officials said.
161
195
302
39
21
476
The Arsenal of Democracy is back.
Scranton, Pennsylvania. I visited a plant that manufactures 155 mm artillery shells. Now, for our warriors who are defending not only our country, not only Ukraine, the plant will be ramping up production.
I began my visit to the United States by expressing my gratitude to all
2K
8K
42K
10
41
422
I was fortunate to visit the former Fort Drum a few years ago with our allies in Philippine Marine Corps.
This 4th of July, let’s remember the sacrifices it took to gain our liberty and independence, and let’s remain vigilant against those who seek to subvert it.
🇵🇭 🇺🇸
To retake Fort Drum in the Philippines from the Japanese, USS LSM-51 was converted into a siege tower to overcome the fortified island's 40-foot walls. After LSM-51 pulled alongside the island, a ramp was lowered to allow infantry and combat engineers to charge onto the roof of
33
270
2K
6
50
420
Just to be clear, the PRC attacked and severed the limb of a Filipino service member who was:
✅ Aboard a sovereign vessel
✅ Operating within his internationally recognized EEZ
✅ Resupplying fellow Filipino service members aboard a sovereign vessel
A source has told Palawan News that Chinese forces intercepted Philippine RHIBs, boarded, and took their firearms. The injured individual is supposedly a Naval Special Operations Group member.
10
90
187
18
84
402
Not to mention:
🇨🇳 activating SONAR on 🇦🇺 divers
🇨🇳 severing the thumb of a 🇵🇭 SEAL
🇨🇳 blinding 🇦🇺 🇵🇭 🇺🇸 pilots with lasers
🇨🇳 aggression is physically harming our service members in the Pacific
There’s little “love thy neighbor” in China’s “good neighbor” policy. A Chinese surveillance plane recently violating Japanese airspace, Chinese coast guard cutters repeatedly ramming and firing water cannons at Philippine ships, and a Chinese fighter dropping flares at an
123
259
796
18
60
382
The PLA has not won a single war since the end of 1949.
China’s first defeat was to the United Nations in the 1950s Korean War (because they didn’t arm their troops with a navy, airforce or even enough guns & ammo).
The PLA then proceeded to lose to Vietnamese rice farmers...
The U.S. military has not won a single war since the end of WW2.
America's first defeat was to the Chinese in the 1950s Korean War (who didn't have a navy, airforce or even enough guns & ammo).
The U.S. then proceeded to lose to Vietnamese rice farmers & Afghan goat herders...
837
948
4K
33
40
333
Wait, I thought the PLA was a force for world peace???
Video from PLA Eastern Theater Command showing simulated joint strikes on Taiwan.
18
18
82
11
24
331
You’re know you’re getting old when aircraft you’ve flown in are now in museums…
50
15
323
One of the starkest reminders of the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor is the USS Utah memorial.
58 Americans were killed here, and the rusting, capsized hull of their ship is the only one that remains exposed above the surface.
2/
1
16
286
Finally, farther up the hill lies IIDA Fusata, a Japanese pilot who crashed when his plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire. Although he died as an enemy, he is memorialized with honor and respect aboard Marine Corps Base Hawai’i - a testament to how far our relationship has come.
5
27
279
This makes me want to start a rival publication called The Pacific.
Who wants to join the editorial team?
Given this is the region the U.S. has focused the bulk of its military thought for the last five years, the better HED maybe, “The Most Dangerous Conflict No One Is Talking About on The Atlantic’s Group Text.”
16
59
502
32
10
266
Aboard Marine Corps Base Hawai’i, a small plaque lies at the site where Chief John Finn fought back against the attacking aircraft. If you’re like me, you may know him from this artwork.
5/
1
18
258
60 Americans died aboard USS Nevada. Among them was Joesph Hill, who swam from the ship to shore, cast off the ship’s lines, and swam back to the ship under attack.
4/
2
18
243
Another often-overlooked aspect of our post-war strategy (which I try to write about as often as I can) is the immense resources we committed to occupy Japan & Germany.
The U.S. began training officers to govern post-war Japan at the same time the Marines landed on Guadalcanal.
This has always been the problem with arguments in favor of regime change: the two most obvious successful examples are so extreme as to be useless for comparison.
17
26
212
7
31
229
Across Pearl Harbor from the USS Utah lies the memorial to the USS Nevada, which was the only battleship to get underway after the attack.
3/
1
14
232
If the China Coast Guard is willing to ram and tow one of the Philippine Coast Guards’ largest vessels, a stronger approach may be needed to halt PRC aggression.
🇵🇭 🇺🇸
Why did China’s PLA send two Type 837 tugs to Sabina Shoal? They were probably ready to disable the BRP Teresa Magbanua and tow it away.
52
195
545
30
44
235
I’m begging the Royal Navy to build a third aircraft carrier named HMS Montgomery.
🇺🇸USS Dwight D Eisenhower
@TheCVN69
sails with 🇫🇷FS Charles de Gaulle in the Mediterranean yesterday.
1
20
261
8
9
210
Proud to serve with Marines like PFC Singh who want to serve 🇺🇸 🦅 🌎 ⚓️
New:
@USMC
has made the argument that beards prevent the proper functioning of a gas mask. Well, Pfc. Jaskirat Singh, who graduated recruit training today told me he had no issues in the gas chamber. Singh is contracted to be a Marine infantry rifleman.
75
110
1K
6
11
200
The PRC cannot be appeased
JUST IN: China Coast Guard ship 21551 rams the BRP Datu Sanday 10 nautical miles from Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea at about 2:11 p.m. The Inquirer is aboard the BRP Datu Sanday. |
@NCorralesINQ
/PDI
147
441
727
7
26
185
“One of Donahoe’s staff officers, who according to both the report and online discussion was angry at being passed over for an assignment” filed a “litany of complaints” such as “not being verbally congratulated when he was selected to war college.”
Wow.
12
17
176
Afghanistan vets, we need your help to preserve our history.
@PeteMcPhail
🚨New project: OEF base names and locations
Looking for (any/all) OEF veterans (MIL/CIV/CTR/NATO) willing to share their experience. Trying to get as many FOBs, PBs, etc., ID'd as possible.
More to follow.
@BrianKerg
@MAGTravF
@CTReese2
@tc_quinn07
@SMH_Historians
@RhysCrawley
52
37
101
4
28
170
We’ve hit the “bad takes on Hawai’i” stage of Twitter.
I live in a high tourism part of the country, and places are almost never shut down, but it's extremely common in Hawaii to have multiple places closed for farcical reasons. "Coral spawning" "sea turtle nesting" "rocks falling" "closed for construction". It feels third world.
8
6
729
24
2
170
🇦🇺 Wife: I’d like to file a complaint about my data being handled inappropriately
🇺🇸 Receptionist: Your daughter was handled inappropriately???!!!
🇦🇺 Wife: No, no, no, no, no…
12
7
172
Everyone’s mis-framing this whole situation with SECDEF Austin.
We’re re just closing the missing-defense-minister-gap with the PRC.
3
32
166
Although I never knew Edward Sato and many other members of the 442nd RCT, I am forever grateful for their sacrifices.
I am equally grateful to those in Bruyères who keep their memory alive and honor all of those who fought such a vicious battle for freedom and liberty.
X
13
2
162
If 🇨🇳 doesn’t want to sow chaos in the South China Sea, they can start by not sowing chaos in the South China Sea.
UPDATE: China is closely following the maritime exercises in the West Philippine Sea and will not allow anyone "to sow chaos" in the South China Sea.
The Chinese Embassy made the response when asked for its reaction on the maritime activity of the Philippines, United States
42
11
45
3
23
161
FORCE DESIGN 2030 WAS A PRODUCT OF EXTENSIVE WARGAMING AND ANALYTICAL RIGOR THAT WAS OPENLY DISCUSSED IN PUBLIC FORUMS.
5
15
156
@DarkLaughterTDB
In other words, the only geographic combatant command accomplishing its mission.
2
0
154
Does the Marine Corporal who saved the military $140 million deserve a $25,000 innovation award (or more) for his actions?
Yes, award him $25K
3765
No, MSM is enough
164
Other (please explain)
101
31
9
152
Not that Filipinos can’t stand up for themselves, but just saying that you have friends.
🇵🇭 🇺🇸
China Coast Guard blocked and used water cannon Philippine vessels on a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Saturday (Aug. 5). The PH military and coast guard issued brief statements condemning the incident
151
481
1K
7
17
142
In my waning time working on US-AUS interoperability, I propose we make this Stars and Stripes kangaroo a mandatory feature at all future engagements.
There’s still time to sign it at AUSMIN.
🇦🇺 🇺🇸
Today signified a historic moment in
#AusNavy
history as we shared in the first US ship Commissioning in Australia. The
#USSCanberra
. Since WWII we have forged a deep connection with the US and today marks another milestone in our enduring friendship.
@CDF_Aust
@USNavyCNO
@SECNAV
9
27
136
7
15
143
🚨There’s hip new lingo at INDOPACOM
New Indo-Pacom Commander Samuel Paparo says China's expansionist claims go beyond "gray zone" tactics.
They should be described as ICAD, he said.
"Illegal, Coercive, Aggressive and Deceptive,"
via
@NikkeiAsia
46
108
239
11
16
145
@tom_mallory
@MarkHertling
@usabmc
The German Army representative to the Belleau Wood ceremony, BG Podzus, said it well:
“The solemn commemoration that we hold here at Belleau Wood is not simply a ritual, but an essential part of the work for peace, and a foundation for the prevention of future wars.”
🇩🇪 🇫🇷 🇺🇸
1
9
139
When we visited the 442nd memorial in Bruyères, we found several such kindred spirits - the president of the Bruyères - Honolulu Sister City organization and his family.
They were so overcome with emotion that they shared stories and presented us with one of their pennants.
11/
1
3
137
There is no better metaphor for USMC GWOT veterans seeking to continue Force Design 2030, naval integration, and engagement in the Indo-Pacific:
3
13
135
@NonCRDDefence
We still honor Kurt Chew-Een Lee to this day
For all our Baker Company, 1st Bn, 7th Marines,
@1st_Marine_Div
veterans, you’ll be proud to know that one of our own is honoring the halls of
@PacificMarines
Major Kurt Chew-Een Lee, Machine Gun Platoon, Korean War veteran and Navy Cross recipient.
#colderthanhell
0
4
36
2
2
133
We were amazed by the reverence for the 442nd throughout the town.
15 October 2024 will be the 80th anniversary of the battle, and I hope people of Hawai’i and Bruyères once again come together to keep our history alive and celebrate all that we have achieved.
13/
1
3
133
Glad our U.S Navy Sailors were on station to aid fellow mariners after they suffered an unprovoked attack on their commercial vessel.
A global force for good, indeed.
🇺🇸 🦅 ⚓️
Footage showing the Moments right before as well as right after the Liberian-Flagged, Greek-Owned Bulk Cargo Ship, M/V Tutor was Struck on June 10th by a Houthi One-Way Surface Attack Drone while Transiting the Southern Red Sea. Armed Security Guards can be seen Observing the
122
426
2K
1
9
134
The 442nd RCT went on to liberate nearby Biffontaine and, with distinction, rescue men of the U.S. 36th Div who were cut off from friendly lines.
The 442nd began the Vosges campaign with 3,506 soldiers. In 24 days of combat, the regiment sustained 1,086 combat casualties.
9/
1
5
129
It was a fond farewell to our non-resident Expeditionary Warfare class.
And we had some fun wargaming our plans!
10
14
131
If this amphibibear doesn’t become 5th Marines’ new mascot, then I don’t know what we’re doing.
Just when you thought it was safe to get back into the water in North Carolina...BEARS IN THE SURF!
23
28
207
7
8
130
At this point, let’s just dust off the blueprints for the LSM, replace the Bofors with CIWS, and start cranking these ships out.
We need sealift in the Pacific as soon as possible.
12
8
127
Bruyères is a small town in France’s Vosges Mountains, approximately a two hour drive southwest from Strasbourg.
Although not well known to most tourists, the town holds a special place in the memories and minds of many Japanese Americans - and especially Hawai’i residents.
5/
1
3
124
I just inadvertently pulled a
@ChowdahHill
moment.
@zach_ota
@SebastianBae
@br4s1d4s
I never thought I'd wake up and see a random photo of my kid on Twitter. But here we are... 🤣
2
1
36
3
2
124
Growing up, it was always a source of pride that relatives and friends from our small town in Hawai’i did their part for our country and, at great cost, liberated communities across Europe.
2/
1
2
118
Coincidentally, a French national television agency was in the process of interviewing the president about the strong connection between Bruyères and Honolulu when we just happened to show up.
I hope the reporter’s editor believes that our arrival was not staged!
12/
1
2
118
A relative of mine, Pvt Edward Sato, fought around Bruyères as part of Co C, 100th Inf Bn, 442nd Regimental Combat Team - a unit comprised primarily of Japanese Americans.
Tragically, he passed away two years after the end of the war in Europe, and I never knew his stories.
3/
2
3
116
Conflict in the Taiwan Strait would be devastating *for someone*
The whole world has a stake in maintaining peace & stability in the Taiwan Strait. The security of commercial shipping lanes and global supply chains depends on it. And so does freedom of navigation world-wide.
Make no mistake: conflict in the Taiwan Strait would be devastating.
29
103
395
4
7
108
The Commandant, after being shot and surviving cardiac arrest, now gets to use this line with every other service chief:
He’s back.
@CMC_MarineCorps
is back to full duty status as of today. He sends his gratitude to Congress, DOD, and DON leaders who have supported him throughout the last several months. Most important, he’s looking forward to re-engaging with Marines.
2
13
50
8
7
118
2nd Lt Ross Fujitani of Company C, who grew up in my hometown, was killed while fighting to seize the 100th Battalion’s last objective in Bruyères.
A community park now lies at the foot of Hill C, and the only fighting is between ducks for food.
8/
1
4
115
I’m honored to have placed first in the LtCol “Pete” Ellis Essay Contest hosted by
@MCA_Marines
and the
#MarineCorpsGazette
.
100 years passed since LtCol Ellis wrote Advanced Base Operations in Micronesia, and I hope to contribute to his legacy of insightful thinking.
THREAD
12
16
110
Never miss an opportunity to believe someone when they tell you who they are. 🇨🇳
'A PLA officer training manual titled “Japanese Air Self-Defense Force” minced no words about how Beijing understands Taiwan’s strategic value to Japan. It stated:
"As soon as Taiwan is reunified with Mainland China, Japan’s maritime lines of communication will fall completely
86
505
1K
9
24
118
This is one salty corpsman
22
0
117
Don’t increase the number of Marines in Australia by 8 times.
Increase the size of Marines in Australia by 8 times.
An Australian think tank report argues that putting more Marines in the Land Down Under is both urgent and doable.
1
4
8
7
2
115
But for all their accomplishments, the 442nd RCT is still most remembered by the people of Bruyères.
The shared losses in the war built an enduring relationship between two communities on opposite sides of the world.
10/
1
3
111
Good to see plans to swap our entire inventory of small arms just in time to meet the requirements of the Afghanistan War.
The Army Has Finally Fielded Its Next Generation Squad Weapons
2
6
24
9
8
112
You did it. You crazy sonofabitch, you did it.
***BREAKING***
U.S. Navy Submarine First In World Fitted With Silent Caterpillar Drive
#USNavy
submarines will take stealth to a new level. American submarines will now be fitted with magnetohydrodynamic drive.
624
607
4K
5
3
114
I’m excited and honored to announce the publication of On Contested Shores, Volume II.
My chapter focuses on the lesser-known efforts of our allies and partners to win one of the most consequential amphibious operations in history - Guadalcanal.
6
24
112
Due to some unseasonal weather that cancelled our holiday plans, we took a road trip to see where folks from my hometown, and many other hometowns, fought during WWII.
We traced the steps of Pvt Sato, the 100th Bn, and the 442nd RCT through their battles in Bruyères.
4/
1
2
106
The full fury of the combined, joint force on display at the Balikatan 24 SINKEX.
🇵🇭 🇦🇺 🇺🇸
7
19
107
That feeling when a former Marine of yours is in a Harvard PhD program and thanks you for your mentorship.
5
0
103
Now, from the same people who brought you hot garbage takes on Force Design, here’s some Russian propaganda
8
5
106
The sea services are growing stronger
"In this age of joint sea power, the U.S. Army and Air Force are sea services as surely as the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard are," writes James Holmes.
19
3
39
7
11
108
The PACFLT schedulers were kind enough to have one of my favorite ships in port for a special combined joint operation yesterday.
14
4
104
If you see this tweet you have to mention one of your favorite paintings.
If you see this tweet you have to mention one of your favorite paintings.
3
2
38
15
6
101
Our greatest strength comes from Marines, from all walks of life, that are committed to the idea of America.
I’m proud to serve alongside 2ndLt Claude as a Marine Officer.
🇺🇸
.
@USMC
2nd Lt. Nkundimana Claude, a fire team leader with Alpha Co., 1/23,
@4th_MarDiv
, shares his journey to commissioning. Immigrating from Congo, Africa, he enlisted in the
#Marines
, became a U.S. citizen, graduated from
@txst
, and rose to officer rank.
19
68
361
6
7
99