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U.S., Japanese Sailors train during maritime exercise

7th Fleet Public Affairs

Release Date: 11/14/2002

7th Fleet Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan -- More than 5,500 Sailors are currently training in waters and air space around Japan, as the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force conduct a large bilateral maritime exercise Nov. 11-22. The exercise, called ANNUALEX 14G, is designed to improve both naval forces' capabilaity for coordinated and bilateral operations in the defense of Japan. In particular, ANNUALEX 14G is focusing on enhancing military-to-military relationships, improving command and control as well as air, undersea and surface warfare.

In addition to USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), U.S. Navy units from Battle Force 7th Fleet participating in the exerceise with JMSDF units include elements of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, operating from Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan; USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) and USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54); USS O'Brien (DD 975); and USS Gary (FFG 51) - all permanently forward deployed and operating from Yokosuka, Japan. USS Paul F. Foster (DD 964), homeported in Everette, Wash.; and the Pearl Harbor-based submarines USS Chicago (SSN 721) and USS Louisville (SSN 724) are also participating in the exercise.

"Because it's an integrated exercise and we'll be using a common communication structure and a common command structure, we'll be working closely with the Japanese forces and exchanging liaison officers to help solve communication problems," said Lt. Cmdr. Matt Welsh, a Battle Force 7th Fleet exercise officer.

"With ANNUALEX 14G, it's a sustained operational force going up against us, which gives us a true opportunity to practice our warfare capabilities at all levels," explained Welsh.

Two ships from the Military Sealift Command are providing support during the exercise, including USNS Rappahanock (T-AO 204) and USNS Assertive (T-AGOS 9). Maritime patrol aircraft under the control of Commander, Task Force 72 is also participating in the exercise.

JMSDF ships include JDS Chokai (DDG 176), JDS Hamagiri (DD 155), JDS Ikazuchi (DD 107), JDS Kirishima (DDG 174), JDS Konguo (DDG 173), JDS Sagami (AOE 421), JDS Setogiri (DD 156), JDS Shimakaze (DDG 172) and JDS Yuugiri (DD 153).

All U.S. naval forces involved in the exercise will be under the command of Rear Adm. Steven A. Kunkle, commander, Battle Force 7th Fleet, embarked aboard Kitty Hawk.