Yama Sakura 71 Begins

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Corey Beal | CAMP KENGUN, Komamoto Prefecture, Japan - Lt. Gen. Stephen Lanza, commanding general, I Corps, shakes hands Lt. Gen. Kiyoshi Ogawa, commanding general, Japanese Western Army. Exercise Yama Sakura 71 is an annual command post exercise co-sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific and the JGSDF at Camp Kengun from Dec. 1-13. The purpose of the exercise is to enhance U.S. and Japan’s combat readiness and interoperability while strengthening bilateral relationships and demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. During the exercise, U.S. military members and JGSDF members exchange ideas, tactic, techniques, military experiences, and culture. Yama Sakura strengthens military operations, trust and friendship. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Corey L. Beal)  

CAMP KENGUN, KUMAMOTO, JAPAN

12.05.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Francis Horton 

I Corps

CAMP KENGUN, Komamoto Prefecture, Japan - Yama Sakura 71 officially commenced with an opening ceremony held at the Japan Ground Self Defense Force Western Army Headquarters on Camp Kengun, Japan, Dec. 5, 2016.
This annual command post exercise is co-sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. In this year’s exercise, I Corps and Western Army service members are the player units.
Since its inception in 1982, Yama Sakura has focused on the development and refinement of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Army Pacific’s efforts in the areas of bilateral planning, coordination, and interoperability.
This year’s exercise will comprise of approximately 1,600 U.S. personnel and 4,600 JGSDF forces. Together they will exchange ideas, tactics, techniques, military experiences, and each other’s culture.
This exercise underscores a continued commitment by both the United States and Japan to work as dedicated partners in support of the U.S.-Japan security alliance and for continued peace and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 12.05.2016
• Date Posted: 12.05.2016 17:59
• Story ID: 216502
• Location: CAMP KENGUN, KUMAMOTO, JP