U.S. Marines, Japanese forces conduct amphibious training in Southern California

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

01.08.2020

Courtesy Story

15th Marine Expeditionary Unit

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – U.S. Marines and Sailors are scheduled to participate in Exercise Iron Fist alongside members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade. The exercise will occur at various facilities in Southern California and at sea from Jan. 17 to Feb. 21, 2020.

Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to enhance the ability of the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and Japanese forces’ to plan, communicate and conduct combined amphibious
operations.

The U.S. and Japanese will integrate at the staff level, conducting bilateral planning to seize notional objectives through real-world amphibious training. The five-week exercise also focuses on advanced marksmanship, amphibious reconnaissance, fire and maneuver assaults, logistics, medical support and fire support operations such as mortars, artillery and close air support.

This year’s exercise not only marks the 15th iteration but also occurs during the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. For the last 60 years, this treaty has served as the cornerstone of the U.S.-Japan Alliance, an alliance that has been critical in fostering stability and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region. This exercise is another example of the dedication of the United States and Japan to work together to make advancements across multiple domains and to ensure the future security of both countries.

With the wide variety of overseas crises and conflicts, the Marine Corps’ role and approach to expeditionary operations remain more important than ever. Exercise Iron Fist reinforces the relevancy of amphibious interoperability and exemplifies the spirit of trust and cooperation
between the Marine Corps and JGSDF.

“It is through hard yet realistic training which embodies our universal warrior ethos that we continually build on established relationships between partners and allies,” said Col. Christopher Bronzi, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit Commanding Officer.

The opening ceremony will mark the start of the exercise Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. The culminating training event will be a scenario-based amphibious assault Feb. 12 at Camp Pendleton. To attend the exercise, please contact the 15th MEU Deputy COMMSTRAT Officer 1stLt Pedro Caballero.

Photo and video covering the exercise can be found at https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/IronFist

• Date Taken: 01.08.2020
• Date Posted: 01.08.2020 19:37
• Story ID: 358473
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US