U.S. Navy and Japan hold 16th Annual Joint Response Drill

Photo By Taylor Ardito | YOKOSUKA, Japan (December 1, 2023) - The Japanese Coast Guard Vessel JCG Kinugasa (MS-01) patrols the harbor during the 2023 Joint Drill dry run onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families. (U.S. Navy photo by Taylor Ardito)  

YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JAPAN

12.15.2023

Story by Taylor Ardito 

Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka

American and Japanese personnel participated in a large-scale training drill onboard Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), simulating an earthquake and an emergency response.

The drill, conducted on Dec. 15, included a focus on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). This year marked the 16th successful completion of the annual drill.

This Joint Drill is a yearly exercise with rotating scenarios that reflect a real response. The in-depth planning of the drill, combined with the high degree of scrutiny, ensures that both the U.S. Navy and the Japanese government are proficient and able to work together seamlessly during an emergency. Kyoko Sugita, a community relations specialist for CFAY, has participated in the drill as a media escort since its inception.

"People in the Japanese government and in the U.S. Navy rotate in and out of important positions over time," said Sugita. "The drill makes sure that everyone is aware of their role and how they need to react."

This year, the drill scenario simulated a 6.8 magnitude earthquake originating from the Miura Peninsula, causing large scale power outages, damage to buildings, and the Ronald Reagan’s mooring lines shifting on the pier. The first part of the drill consisted of an evacuation of a damaged building, with some of the evacuees having a variety of injuries ranging from mild to severe.

Units responded to the simulated event swiftly with a large force from more than 20 different U.S. Navy and Japanese organizations. More than 250 employees from the CFAY Emergency Management Office, CFAY Safety Office, Commander, Navy Region Japan (CNRJ) Fire and Emergency Services, CFAY Security Office, U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka, Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital, Japanese Ministry of Defense, Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affirs, Japan Coast Guard, Japanese Nuclear Regulation Authority, City of Yokosuka, and Japanese reporters from several publications all participated in the drill.

"This [Joint Drill] is good practice with other emergency departments," said Sean Rutledge, CNRJ Fire and Emergency Services fire prevention chief and joint drill incident commander, "It ensures we are all prepared and know exactly what everyone should be doing."

Eleven injured role players were treated by CNRJ Fire and Emergency Services firefighters and Navy Corpsman assigned to the U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka at the triage area near the damaged building. Nine of the role players with minor injuries were escorted to the emergency shelter area located at the James D. Kelly Fleet Recreation Center.

One role player with a simulated broken arm was transported to the U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka while another role player with simulated major head trauma was transported to Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital. As the last simulated patient was transported off scene, the attention shifted to the second phase of the drill where a Japanese Coast Guard vessel, JCG Kinugasa (MS-01), patrolled the harbor. In the scenario, the JCG Kinugasa used radiological monitoring equipment and found no radiation and the scene was declared safe.

"It is important for us to conduct this Joint Drill to strengthen United States and Japanese cooperation," said an official for the Japanese Nuclear Regulation Authority’s Radiological Survey Team, "It enhances our understanding of each other’s roles if something happens in the future."

Officials from both the Japanese and U.S. Navy observed the complex drill from start to finish. Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka Capt. Les Sobol and Commander, Navy Region Japan Rear Adm. Carl Lahti observed the drill with their counterparts from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Japan Coast Guard, and Japanese officials from the City of Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"The presence of both U.S. Navy officials and Japanese government observers is a testament to our shared commitment to regional security," said Sobol. "These drills are not just about readiness; they also serve as an avenue for mutual learning and understanding of each other’s protocols and methodologies in handling these scenarios. Year after year, we observe significant advancements in our joint operational capabilities, communication, and trust. This continuous improvement is vital, it enhances our respective strengths while simultaneously forging a deeper, more integrated U.S.-Japan alliance, grounded in mutual trust and cooperation."

The drill completed with a tour of the emergency shelter area located at the James D. Kelly Fleet Recreation Center. During this tour, participants had the opportunity to better understand Fleet Activities Yokosuka’s ability to shelter displaced individuals during times of emergency. The 16th annual Joint Drill not only demonstrated the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance but also highlighted the shared dedication to ensuring peace and safety in the region. The lessons learned and the relationships strengthened during this exercise will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the future of emergency response and cooperation between the two nations.

• Date Taken: 12.15.2023
• Date Posted: 12.29.2023 00:58
• Story ID: 460732
• Location: YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP