US, JMSDF Navy strengthen alliance

Courtesy Photo | Capt. Paul Lyons (left), commodore of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 shakes with Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Rear Adm. Ryo Sakai, Escort Flotilla ONE, after signing a Letter of Understanding to ensure the joint maritime success and seamless interoperability between U.S. Navy and JMSDF. DESRON 15 is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, providing security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)  

YOKOSUKA, AICHI, JAPAN

04.04.2014

Courtesy Story

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73)

YOKOSUKA, Japan – Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Fleet Escort Force ONE (CCF1) signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU), March 6.

This LoU helps ensure the joint maritime success and seamless interoperability between U.S. Navy and JMSDF forces.

“The relationship between CCF1 and CDS 15 has long been the tactical bedrock between the USN and the JMSDF surface forces,” said Capt. Paul Lyons, commodore of DESRON 15. “This LoU codifies the synergy that our two commands have reaped thru extensive dialogue and exercising at sea. In essence, it lays out the foundational blueprint for further strengthening our relationship and our tactical cooperation in the future. This LoU governs not only DESRON 15 and CCF1 staff interaction, but provides an umbrella framework to increase ship-to-ship interaction which is vital to understanding and interoperability.”

Key topics during this summit laid the foundation for tactical seminars, joint working groups, and synthetic and real-world exercises.

“I am excited to be part of this alliance because this LoU allows not only the DESRON 15 staff and I to interact with JMSDF Sailors, but it also provides junior Sailors an opportunity to learn and share experiences with an ally in the region,” said Lt. Brian Anthony, DESRON 15 planner for JMSDF and Republic of Korea Navy. “It allows Sailors to learn more about the Japanese Navy and culture as well. The friendships born out of this LoU will last a lifetime.”

This LoU is an update from 2009 and will be reviewed on an annual basis, in order to most effectively continue improving bilateral interoperability and familiarity.

DESRON 15 is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, providing security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 04.04.2014
• Date Posted: 04.04.2014 02:09
• Story ID: 124195
• Location: YOKOSUKA, AICHI, JP