Yama Sakura 75 Closing Ceremony

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Lange | 181216-N-QH078-109 CHITOSE, Japan — U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Gary J. Volesky, America’s First Corps commander and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Lt. Gen. Masato Taura, Northern Army commanding general, render a salute during the closing ceremony for exercise Yama Sakura 75, at Camp Higashi-Chitose, December 16, 2018. Yama Sakura is an annual bilateral exercise involving the U.S. Military and the JGSDF with the purpose of enhancing U.S. and Japanese 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. At the closing ceremony both commanding generals delivered remarks about the exercise and acknowledge the enduring scope of the effects felt by the exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Dominique J. Shelton).  

CHITOSE , JAPAN

12.16.2018

Story by Christopher Lange 

Joint Planning Support Element - Public Affairs

Soldiers of America’s First Corps and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), Northern Army, gathered for the conclusion of the bilateral command post exercise Yama Sakaura 75 at Camp Higashi-Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, Dec. 16, 2018.

This year marks the 37th anniversary the two militaries have participated in the exercise together. Yama Sakura exercised a joint combined operation controlled by the Training and Exercise Research Command, with the purpose of enhancing combined understanding of processes between the two nations through fictitious scenarios.

“As expected, our outstanding combined effort resulted in total victory,” said Lt. Gen. Gary Volesky, 1st Corps Commanding General. “Together we conducted the most successful [simulated] bilateral counterattack I’ve ever seen,” he continued.

Volesky said the successful integration of the multi-domain task force, which built on last year’s inaugural participation in Yama Sakura, demonstrated, that together, American and Japanese forces can fight and win in any domain. The multi-domain task force is a relatively new subordinate unit to 1st Corps and serves as a melting pot of capabilities working toward a common operational goal.

“The execution phase of Yama Sakura 75 has enabled Japanese and U.S. troops to thoroughly unite, fight and accomplish the mission together,” said Lt. Gen. Masato Taura, Northern Army Commanding General.

“I know if our nations are called to deploy, we are prepared to fight and win anywhere,” said Volesky. “We have showed over the past week there is no enemy that can stand against us. It has been an honor and privilege to serve alongside you as allies and brothers in arms.”

“In conclusion, I would like to say that there is no greater honor for me than to have fought shoulder to shoulder with LTG Volesky and all those who have joined the fight of 1st Corps and the Northern Army,” said Taura.

Each year 1st Corps rotates between one of five JGSDF armies to build bilateral cohesion and operability, both from a point of military operations and interpersonal relations.

During their closing remarks, both commanding generals expressed how grateful they and their soldiers are to have the opportunity to share in each other’s cultures.

• Date Taken: 12.16.2018
• Date Posted: 12.16.2018 02:42
• Story ID: 303799
• Location: CHITOSE , JP