USS America and JS Ise lead integrated training with Sasebo-based JMSDF ships> U.S. Fleet Pacific> News

EASTERN CHINA SEA – USS America (LHA 6), the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious assault ship, trained alongside the HyÅ«ga-class helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182) and other Maritime Force ships Japanese Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) off the coast of Kyushu, November 3.

America, Ise, and six other JMSDF ships conducted precision maneuvering and integrated surface warfare training, which enhanced the operability and partnership between the two navies.

“Our ability to come together as a partnered surface action group, just after a two-month hiatus in operations to perform maintenance and training ashore, is a testament to the strength and agility of our team. relationship with the JMSDF, ”said Captain Ken Ward, the US commander. “We have aggressively rekindled the relationship with our host nation sister ship JS Ise as COVID restrictions were lifted. It was extremely rewarding to be able to plan, organize and execute with our JMSDF partners in almost the same way as before the pandemic. “

The result of detailed planning and integration between America and its counterparts aboard Ise at the port, a simulated bilateral transit through the strait and screen training perfectly integrated America into the group. of JMSDF ships.

“So far, we have organized several events in the port and we were finally able to organize a bilateral event at sea,” said Captain Koji Miyazaki, commander of Ise. “This event was a great opportunity to improve our interoperability. We have also been successful in nurturing the spirit of friendship of the US Navy and JMSDF in our crews through events we have hosted in port and underway. We will keep this relationship for the future.

The training included America, Ise, Murasame JS Harusame-class destroyer (DD 102), Asahi-class destroyer JS Asahi (DD 119), Hayabusa-class guided missile patrol vessel JS Otaka (PG 826) and the Harishima -classes Minesweepers JS Takashima (MSC 603), JS Harishima (MSC 601) and JS Yakushima (MSC 602).

America, the flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of ​​responsibility to improve interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a force to intervention to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.