Yama Sakura 69 kicks off with ceremony in Japan

Photo By Master Sgt. Sadie Routzahn | Lt. Gen. Stephen Lanza, I Corps commanding general, left, and Lt. Gen. Junji Suzuki, commander of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Middle Army, answer questions from the media during the Yama Sakura 69 press conference at the Middle Army Headquarters on Camp Itami, Japan, Dec. 5, 2015. The two-week training event is the largest bilateral command post exercise for the two nations. Based on computer simulation, Japan Ground Self Defense Force and the U.S. forces practice bilateral staff activities to respond to an armed attack on Japan. (U.S. Army photo by Sergeant 1st Class Sadie Routzahn)  

ITAMI, OSAKA, JAPAN

12.05.2015

Story by Sgt. Eliverto Larios 

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

CAMP ITAMI, JAPAN --- An opening ceremony for Yama Sakura 69 was held at the Japan Ground Self Defense Force Middle Army Headquarters on Camp Itami, Japan, Dec. 5, 2015.

The ceremony marked the beginning of the annual bilateral training exercise between members of the United States Military and the Japan Self Defense Force.

The United States element, which includes members from all military branches, is led by the United States Army’s I Corps. Combined with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Middle Army, they form a force of over 5,000 strong for the 34th annual training event.

The commander of the JGSDF Middle Army spoke of the mission for YS 69 and the mission for his Soldiers during the exercise.

“Its purpose is to train command and staff activities of JGSDF and US Forces to conduct bilateral operations under different chain of commands and to maintain and enhance our operational capabilities,” said Lt. Gen. Junji Suzuki, commanding general, Middle Army. “We will continue to further solidify our alliance and ensure peace and independence of our country and regional stability on the basis of trust and friendship.”

Lt. Gen. Stephen Lanza, I Corps commanding general, expressed his confidence in the Soldiers and their mission.

“Our forces share the most important characteristics of professional military organizations: We are disciplined, dedicated to improving ourselves, and we are committed to our Nations and our alliance,” said Lanza. “The I Corps team is genuinely looking forward to this opportunity to work with Lt. Gen. Suzuki and the tremendous Middle Army team.”

The two-week training event is the largest bilateral command post exercise for the two nations. Based on computer simulation, JGSDF and the US Forces practice bilateral staff activities to respond to an armed attack on Japan.

• Date Taken: 12.05.2015
• Date Posted: 12.05.2015 03:20
• Story ID: 183552
• Location: ITAMI, OSAKA, JP