The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG) will be operating alongside their Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) counterparts during a bilateral field training exercise, Keen Sword 15, November 11.
Keen Sword is the latest in a series of joint/bilateral field training exercises since 1986 involving U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) designed to increase combat readiness and interoperability of U.S. forces and the JSDF.
Rear Adm. John D. Alexander, commander, Battle Force 7th Fleet, said:
It is joint and bilateral exercise that involves both the U.S. military and JSDF in all four branches of service. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group will be the task force commander for the exercise.
With the main goal of the exercise being the practice of tactics, techniques and procedures between U.S. and Japan forces, GWCSG and JMSDF will participate in scenarios that test the competencies of multiple warfare areas.
Alexander addded:
We’ll be conducting anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, air-to-air and air defense warfare scenarios, and we’ll be doing that as a combined force.
To further increase the bilateral integration, JMSDF Commander, Escort Force (CCF) 2 will be operating as the sea combatant commander for the exercise, employing tactics and controlling the scheme of maneuver for the strike group’s escort ships.
Planning for the exercise started more than a year ago with U.S. and Japanese experts and planners working together to develop the most effective scenarios.
Approximately 11,000 U.S. personnel will participate in Keen Sword, including those assigned to U.S. Forces Japan Headquarters, 5th Air Force, U.S. Naval Forces Japan, U.S. Army Japan and III Marine Expeditionary Force. The forces will conduct training with their JSDF counterparts at military installations throughout mainland Japan, Okinawa and in the waters surrounding Japan.
Press release, Image: US Navy