U.S., Japanese forces team up for Exercise Iron Fist 2017

Photo By Lance Cpl. Tyler Byther | U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Louis Simon, executive officer of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, acts as the commander of troops during the opening ceremony of Exercise Iron Fist 2017, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 6, 2017. Iron Fist is an annual, bilateral training exercise where U.S. and Japanese service members train together and share techniques, tactics and procedures to improve their combined operational capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Byther/Released)  

CAMP PENDLETON , CA, UNITED STATES

02.06.2017

Story by Lance Cpl. Robert Alejandre 

13th Marine Expeditionary Unit   

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Exercise Iron Fist 2017 began with U.S. Marines of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and soldiers of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force’s Western Army Infantry Regiment participating in an opening ceremony at Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 6, 2017.

“The purpose of the exercise is to enhance interoperability between the U.S. and Japanese Ground Self Defense Force t as well as to build amphibious capabilities for the JGSDF,” said Col. Chandler Nelms, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit commanding officer.

Exercise Iron Fist 2017 marks the 12th iteration of the annual event. Traditionally, the exercise primarily on tactics and operation, but this year’s focus is a little different.

“The JGSDF Western Army Infantry Regiment is helping to shape an amphibious readiness defense brigade,” said Nelms. “The Marine Corps is the only amphibious arm of the United States military that has expertise in amphibious operations.”

The Japanese soldiers will stand side-by-side with their U.S. counterparts and train in planning and conducting amphibious operations.

“The JGSDF will get a good look at how our Marine Corps forces integrate with our Navy forces ... the joint warfare construct and amphibious planning,” Nelms said.
Iron Fist 2017 will enable continued subject matter expertise exchanges between U.S. and Japanese forces, strengthening both militaries’ technical and tactical proficiencies.

We have a lot to learn from this, especially the combined arms combat operations, said Col. Ryuji Toyota, commanding officer of the Western Army Infantry Regiment. We are ready to learn from the Marines here at Camp Pendleton.

Exercise Iron Fist will be held in Southern California on Camp Pendleton and other military installations from Feb. 6 to March 6. The exercise will include advanced marksmanship, amphibious reconnaissance, landing, and assault operations.

• Date Taken: 02.06.2017
• Date Posted: 02.06.2017 20:55
• Story ID: 222701
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON , CA, US