USS Lassen increases interoperability with JMSDF

Courtesy Photo | 150227-N-ZZ999-362 KURE, Japan (Feb. 27, 2015) Lt. j.g. Lauren Chatmas (right), fire control officer of Arleigh-burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) discusses Lassen's capabilities with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force personnel during Lassen’s port visit to Kure. Lassen is on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy Photo by Lt. j.g. Gerie Palanca/Released)  

KURE, JAPAN

02.28.2015

Courtesy Story

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73)

By Lt. j.g. Lauren Chatmas
USS Lassen Public Affairs

KURE, Japan – Arleigh-burke class guided missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) visited Kure to strengthen their close ties with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and collaborate on tactical doctrine and warfighting concepts, Feb. 26-28.

During the visit, Lassen and JMSDF JS Ise (DDH 182) hosted warfighter exchange discussions and Lassen hosted a reception on board which included senior leadership from U.S. and Japanese navies.

Capt. Shan Byrne, commodore of Destroyer Squadron 15 stressed the importance of the U.S.-Japan bilateral alliance, expressed the crew’s excitement of the port visit and thanked the Japanese hosts for their warm hospitality.

In addition to the military-to-military training, Sailors from Lassen had the opportunity to see a different part of Japan and enjoy the culture.

“I never expected our interactions with the Japanese Navy to be so warm and brotherly, and to experience the splendor of this area,” said Lt. j.g. Robert Righetti, Lassen’s first lieutenant. “I cannot wait to do something like this again in the future.”

Lassen is one of seven Arleigh-burke class guided-missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and is permanently forward-deployed to Yokosuka supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Kure is located south-west in Hiroshima prefecture. Established in 1954 as part of the JMSDF, Kure Naval District is one of five regional commands of the JMSDF, responsible for Japan's Southern and Southeastern coast.

Along with several submarine and surface vessels, Kure is home to supply, ammunition and fuel depots as well as being located alongside extensive ship repair and refit yards supporting both assigned and rotating JMSDF assets.

• Date Taken: 02.28.2015
• Date Posted: 03.03.2015 19:55
• Story ID: 155844
• Location: KURE, JP