US Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) units got together on February 16 to start the exercise Resilient Shield 2018 at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.
The annual computer-based Fleet Synthetic Training-Joint (FST-J) exercise will also be joined by US Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) assets for a week of training.
Resilient Shield 2018 is specifically focused on BMD training for JMSDF ships and 7th Fleet’s forward deployed ships.
The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), USS Benfold (DDG 65), and USS Stethem (DDG 63), forward-deployed to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, will work alongside personnel from JS Teruzuki (DD 116) and JS Kongo (DD 173) during the exercise.
“Resilient Shield is designed to test our tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) against potential regional threats while ensuring Japanese and US forces are well-rehearsed in executing those TTPs,” said Capt. Bo Johns, commanding officer of USS Shiloh (CG 67) and ballistic missile defense commander (BMD) for CTF 70. “The collaboration required to plan and execute an event like Resilient Shield strengthens our relationship with the Japanese and enables better communication, while the execution of the evolution makes interoperability between our militaries more effective and efficient.”
The ships’ warfighting teams will exchange operational integrated air and missile defense (IAMD), surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare information for advanced tactical training. This training is designed to improve proficiency in warfighting and joint operations for ballistic missile defense.