The U.S. Navy carrier strike group attached to the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson (CVN 70) took part in an at-sea exercise with ships from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) in the East China Sea.
The U.S. Navy and JMSDF operated together form March 7 to 10 to increase proficiency in basic maritime skills and improve response capabilities.
Participating units included JS Sazanami (DD 113), JS Samidare (DD 106), USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) and aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2.
“This exercise is in keeping with exercises we routinely conduct with our JMSDF counterparts in the Western Pacific Ocean and are designed to improve coordination, teamwork, operational proficiency and readiness,” said Rear Adm. Jim Kilby , commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1. “Our two navies working together demonstrate our combined resolve to ensure peace and stability for all our partners and allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.”
The forces conducted communications drills, precision ship maneuvers, combined flight operations and liaison officer exchanges during the bilateral training exercise.
“Our goal is to continue to work together through maritime training with the JMSDF,” Kilby said. “Bilateral training events improve teamwork, readiness and the capability to respond quickly to various situations in the region, ranging from humanitarian aid and disaster response to maritime security activities.”
CSG-1 departed San Diego for a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific, January 5. Carl Vinson, CVW 2 and embarked Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 1 deployed with Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser Lake Champlain and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) and Wayne E. Meyer.