In January, US Navy vessels assigned to the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) joined the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) amphibious transport dock ship, the JS Kunisaki (LST 4003), for a cooperative deployment in the East China Sea.
The cooperative deployment saw ARG ships conduct communication and maneuvering drills alongside the JS Kunisaki. “We understood each other’s radio calls very clearly, and they were very quick with their responses. It was a routine operation just like working with another US vessel,” said Operations Specialist 1st Class Jose Gonzales, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 Navigation Assessor.
Captain Jim McGovern, Commodore of PHIBRON 11, also visited the JS Kunisaki to meet her crew members and tour the ship. “It was a great opportunity to visit Kunisaki and see in person how well she and the ships of the Wasp ARG can operate together,” added McGovern. “Our ability to work and train together with our JMSDF partners is a key enabler that ensures security and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.”
The Wasp ARG is comprised of the USS Wasp (LHD 1), amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD 20) and amphibious assault ship USS Ashland (LSD 48). The ships are forward deployed to the US 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
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