JMSDF, US Navy grow green partnership

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Cole Pielop | 160222-N-BR087-362 PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 22, 2016) - Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Murasame-class destroyer JDS Samidare (DD-106) receives an advanced biofuel mixture from the fast combat support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7) during a replenishment at sea. Providing a ready force supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific, the John C. Stennis Strike Group is operating as part of the Great Green Fleet on a regularly scheduled 7th Fleet deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cole C. Pielop/Released)  

PHILIPPINE SEA

02.26.2016

Courtesy Story

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Susan Damman

PHILIPPINE SEA – Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Naval Liaison Officers (LNOs) visited USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Feb. 22.

The LNOs helped coordinate and communicate with the Murasame-class destroyer JDS Samidare (DD-106) as it received an advanced biofuel mixture from the Great Green Fleet.

“The primary purpose [of our visit] is to deepen the mutual understanding and the interoperability with the U.S. Navy and JMSDF,” said Capt. Atsushi Minami, Commander, Escort Division Four, “particularly focusing on our tactical skills through bilateral operation with John C. Stennis Strike Group.”

JMSDF offered to support the John C. Stennis Strike Group (JSCSG) as it transits the Indo-Asia-Pacific.

“[Japan is] one of our strongest allies,” said Lt. Michelle Calarasu, an operations officer for Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21. “The U.S. is willing and able to seamlessly integrate with our allies and provide a strong presence within this area of operations.”

Samidare received more than 62,000 gallons of the advanced biofuel mixture during the refueling-at-sea (RAS) with fast combat support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7).

“Due to the budget crunch, JMSDF has become interested in the fuel economy,” said Minami. “So the Japanese government is considering using biofuel more actively.”

JCSSG is using biofuels throughout its deployment as part of the Navy’s year-long initiative to highlight efforts to transform its energy use and increase operational flexibility. The blended biofuel contains alternative fuel made from waste beef fat. The advanced biofuel blend is a ‘drop-in’ alternative, requiring no equipment, engine, or procedural modifications.

For more news on the John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Strike Group visit www.stennis.navy.mil or www.facebook.com/stennis74. For more information about U.S. Navy energy innovations and the Great Green Fleet, visit http://greenfleet.dodlive.mil/energy/great-green-fleet.

• Date Taken: 02.26.2016
• Date Posted: 02.26.2016 07:14
• Story ID: 190182
• Location: PHILIPPINE SEA