Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Dan Serianni | 230205-N-HG846-1792 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 5, 2023) – Independence-variant littoral...... read more read more
Subscribe
SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 17, 2023) – Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Takanami-class destroyer JS Makinami (DD 112) operated together in the South China Sea, Feb. 5, 2023.
The two ships joined to conduct combined operations while transiting the South China Sea and practiced a range of surface warfare evolutions to include flight operations, communications drills, and coordinated tactical maneuvering – all designed to enhance interoperability.
“Every opportunity we get to work with our JMSDF Allies increases our operational and strategic advantage over potential adversaries and demonstrates our commitment to stability in the region,” said Cmdr. Spike Lamson, commanding officer of the Charleston Gold Crew. “Today, we highlighted the ability for two independent deployers from two different nations to meet on the high seas and immediately be able to execute complex mission sets.”
Professional engagements with Allies and partners in the region allow the U.S. Navy the opportunity to build upon existing, strong relationships and learn from differing operational styles. They further provide the crews with real-life situations to practice their everyday watchstanding and communication skills.
“Through this exercise, we improved our tactical capabilities and interoperability between the JMSDF and the U.S. Navy,” said JMSDF Capt. FUJII Kenichi, commanding officer, Escort Division 7. “The JMSDF works closely together with the U.S. Navy to strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance and increase response capabilities for various contingencies, maintaining a free and open maritime rules-based order.”
Attached to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, Charleston is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
As the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed DESRON in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to Singapore, functions as Commander, Task Force 76/3 Sea Combat Commander, and builds partnerships through training exercises and military-to-military engagements as the executing agent of the Commander, Task Group Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training.
7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
-30-
| Date Taken: | 02.17.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 03.07.2023 20:55 |
| Story ID: | 438682 |
| Location: | SOUTH CHINA SEA |
| Web Views: | 98 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, USS Charleston, JS Makinami operate together in South China Sea, by PO2 Dan Serianni, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
