US increases interoperability with Japan in 1st GUAMEX

Courtesy Photo | Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships conduct tactical maneuvers during GUAMEX 2014 in waters near Guam. Pinckney and JMSDF ships Kongo (DDG 173), Murasame (DD 101), Ikazuchi (DD 107), Akebono (DD 108), Ariake (DD 109), Akizuki (DD 115) and Shimakaze (DDG 172) are participating part in GUAMEX 2014, an operation aimed at enhancing the interoperability of the U.S. Navy and JMSDF and strengthening personnel ties between the respective forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Cryptologic Technician Collection 3rd Class Raul Sanchez/Released)  

USS PINCKNEY, AT SEA

07.10.2014

Courtesy Story

Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet   

By Ensign Kellie Hall, USS Pinckney Public Affairs

USS PINCKNEY, At Sea - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) completed the first Guam Exercise (GUAMEX) alongside the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), July 9.

Pinckney operated off the coast of Guam with eight JMSDF ships practicing naval gunnery, anti-submarine warfare, tactical maneuvering, communications drills, and personnel exchanges.

“The purpose of this exercise is aimed at enhancing the interoperability of the U.S. Navy and the JMSDF and strengthening personnel ties between our respective forces,” Pinckney’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Frank Okata, said.

Capt. Shan Byrne, commodore, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, embarked Pinckney to witness GUAMEX first-hand. At an all-hands call with Pinckney’s crew, Byrne stated that GUAMEX allowed the ship to spend time at sea as a ship, learning as a crew, and completing missions as a team. He also remarked on Pinckney Sailors’ significant achievements during their deployment.

Newly-qualified Officer of the Deck Ensign Shannon McCarthy oversaw each of the exercises.

“GUAMEX was one of the most exciting evolutions we’ve seen on this deployment,” McCarthy said. “We conducted live-fire exercises and worked with more ships than usual, and because we are nearing the end of the deployment, we could really see how we have improved. GUAMEX was a great example of everything I have been taught as a junior officer for the last six and a half months: Learn to adapt to any situation that can happen when you are working with so many moving parts.”

Pinckney is on deployment in the 7th Fleet area of operations protecting and defending the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 07.10.2014
• Date Posted: 07.10.2014 20:42
• Story ID: 135792
• Location: USS PINCKNEY, AT SEA