In every clime and place... U.S., Japan join forces for Yama Sakura 43
USMC News
Story by Capt. Burrell D. Parmer
Story Identification Number: 2003218181116
CAMP HIGASHI-CHITOSE, Japan(Feb. 7, 2003) -- In keeping with the "...in every clime and place and in the snow of far off northern lands" mantra, nearly 150 Marines of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade recently departed the mild climate of Okinawa for the frigid temperatures of northern Japan during Yama Sakura 43.
The Marines flew here to join the U.S. Army's First Corps and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force's Northern Army for the two-week annual exercise.
Yama Sakura is an annual bilateral Command Post Exercise sponsored by U.S. Army, Japan and the Japan Ground Staff Office. Its purpose is to improve U.S./Japan interoperability through computer-generated scenarios, which facilitate staff interaction.
The Marines participated primary as the Non-combatant Evacuation Operations Cell.
"In the beginning of the exercise our mission was the NEO," said Captain Melvin T. Wooding, night situation report officer. "After successful completion of the NEO, we were re-designated as the joint task force's reserve - to conduct combat operations with our Army and Japanese Army counterparts."
The exercise provided the Marines another opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities that the Marine Expeditionary Brigade can bring to a joint, combined, and bilateral operational environment.
In spite of knee-high snow, slippery pavements and sub-zero degree weather, the Marines looked forward to visiting northern Japan.
"Despite preparations, the weather took some getting use to," said Sgt. Bobby J. Woodard, night administrative chief. "You had to be very careful, especially when walking. Some Marines fell victim to some nasty falls."
"Other than the exercise some of us had the opportunity to experience Japanese culture first hand with the Home Visit Program," said Woodard. "I visited the family of a retired Japanese colonel. They prepared a traditional Japanese New Year's dinner and we exchanged gifts."
Yama Sakura gave 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, First Corps and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force a chance to exercise staffs at different levels. It is one of the most important bilateral events the forces participate in.
Lt. Gen. Osamu Mochida, commanding general, Northern Army said it is critically important for Japanese and U.S. forces to deepen mutual communication and understanding, not only to facilitate Japan/U.S. cooperative operations during emergency situations, but also to reinforce the Japan/U.S. security arrangement in peacetime.
Yama Sakura exercises began in 1982 in accordance with the Japan/U.S. Security Treaty, Agreement on the Status of U.S. Armed Forces and the Guideline for Japan/U.S. Defense Cooperation. Approximately 6,000 U.S. and Japanese soldiers participate in Yama Sakura to train on several operational functions for combat, such as fire support, maneuver, personnel, rear area operations and others.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
