United States Ambassador visits U.S. and Japanese military personnel at bilateral exercise

Photo By Dominique J. Shelton | CHITOSE, Japan -- William Hagerty (left), U.S. Ambassador to Japan and Gen. Kōji Yamazaki (right), chief of staff, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), sit in on a briefing while visiting Camp Higashi - Chitose, in support of exercise Yama Sakura 75, December 12, 2018. Yama Sakura is an annual bilateral command post exercise involving the U.S. Military and the Japan Self-Defense Force with the purpose of enhancing U.S. and Japanese combat readiness and interoperability, strengthening bilateral relationships, and demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Dominique J. Shelton).  

CAMP CHITOSE, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN

12.12.2018

Story by Capt. Christopher Mesnard 

Joint Planning Support Element - Public Affairs

U.S. Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty visited U.S. service members and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force personnel to discuss their participation in exercise Yama Sakura 75 and it’s embodiment of the U.S.-Japan Alliance, Dec. 12, 2018. As part of the visit, Ambassador Hagerty took time to meet with and recognize U.S. service members and Japanese military personnel participating in the exercise, while reaffirming commitment to the U.S.-Japan Alliance and continued peace and stability in the region U.S.

Hagerty received a variety of briefs in both Japanese and English to convey the various capabilities involved in the exercise and spoke with individuals from each nation to discuss their specific supporting roles.

“[Our] collaboration with Japan is the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in this entire region.” said Hagerty. “The extent and duration of this exercise will go a long way to building our capability, and more importantly our interoperability in the worlds’ most important strategic alliance between the United States and Japan.”

During his visit Hagerty also met with senior U.S. and Japanese military officials, and discussed the mutual benefit to each nation in bilateral training exercises like Yama Sakura.

“I think the multilateral component of this adds an interesting dimension that’s going to become more and more relevant as we move forward in this region,” said Hagerty of the combined nature of exercise Yama Sakura.

This is the 37th year both nations have joined together in exercise Yama Sakura, which is the largest U.S.-Japan, bilateral command post exercise. Yama Sakura is an annual bilateral command post exercise involving the U.S. Military and the Japan Self-Defense Force with the purpose of enhancing U.S. and Japanese combat readiness and interoperability, strengthening bilateral relationships, and demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

“Being here today also underscores my tremendous respect and admiration for our American service men and women who risk their lives everyday to protect Japan and to protect this entire region,” said Hagerty.

This year more than 1,600 U.S. personnel are participating worldwide in the simulations, assessments and general support for Yama Sakura, while the Japan Self-Defence Forces number approximately 5,000 personnel.

• Date Taken: 12.12.2018
• Date Posted: 12.12.2018 21:10
• Story ID: 303302
• Location: CAMP CHITOSE, HOKKAIDO, JP