Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Rear Adm. Akira Saito, commander, Escort Flotilla (CCF) One, along with his staff and other JMSDF sailors embarked the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and other ships in the George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG) as part of Keen Sword (KS) 15, Nov. 10-19.
The visitors received practical experience, observed interaction between warfare commanders, and obtained a general orientation of an underway nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
Saito said:
My duty was to study the exercises between the U.S. Navy and Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF).
[KS15] was a very good opportunity to see strike group operations. Conducting these exercises has made our alliance, and our defensive and offensive capabilities stronger.
KS15, a joint/bi-lateral field training exercise involving U.S. military and JSDF, is designed to increase combat readiness and interoperability of the two forces.
According to Saito, the U.S. Navy’s offensive capabilities and Japan’s defensive capabilities along with the strong friendship and alliance between the U.S. and Japan are required to defend Japan.
Communication before and during the exercises played a large role in the success of KS15.
GWCSG is underway in the 7th Fleet area of operations providing a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
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Press release, Image: US Navy