Philippine Sea-- The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan is the base for bi-lateral training that got underway in recent days. Personnel from the Reagan Carrier Strike Group and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force worked together and participated in an air defense exercise, communication evolutions as well as providing support for aircraft squadrons aboard the Reagan.
Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Matthew Spano instructs Ensign Taisei Sakai, assigned to the Kongo-class guided-missile destroyer JDS Kirishima of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force during a live-fire exercise with a M2HB .50 caliber machine gun on the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam. (U.S. Navy photo)
According to a U.S. Navy news release, "Working side by side we have used this opportunity to train together to further streamline our communications through exercises and other tactical events," said Lt. Jeff Kryski, Destroyer Squadron 15 assistant planning officer.
While embarked aboard Ronald Reagan and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam, personnel conducted unit level training to increase interoperability between U.S. Navy and JMSDF units and improve the tactical skills of both maritime forces.
"Having CCD 6 personnel aboard greatly benefits both JMSDF and DESRON 15 by allowing both sides to continue our strong and lasting partnership," said Kryski.
The Ronald Reagan Strike Group is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in the support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.