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Japanese Training Squadron Visits Pearl Harbor

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050511-03
Release Date: 5/11/2005 7:30:00 AM

By Journalist 3rd Class Ryan McGinley, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- The Japanese Training Squadron made a brief port visit at Naval Station Pearl Harbor May 3-6 to develop the seamanship and leadership skills of Japan’s future leaders, as well as to broaden the mutual understanding and friendship between the United States and Japan.

The squadron is comprised of three vessels, which set sail April 19 for a five-month cruise. They will visit 14 ports in 13 different countries before returning to Japan Sept. 20.

The participating ships were JDS Kashima (TV 3508), a Kashima-class training ship; JDS Murasame (DD 101), a Murasame-class destroyer; and JDS Yuugiri (DD 153), an Asagiri-class destroyer. Rear Adm. Masahiro Shibata, commander, Japan Training Squadron, was the senior representative of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and was accompanied by 180 newly-commissioned officers of Kashima.

“Our stay is only three days long, but I do hope to grow in mutual understanding and enhance our friendship,” said Shibata.

Rear Adm. James E. Beebe, deputy commander, Navy Region Hawaii, spoke at the welcoming ceremony, enumerating the importance of a continued relationship with the two countries.

“Japan and the United States have an important and continuing shared interest and partnership in maintaining peace and stability in our Pacific region and around the world,” he said. “We are proud that your maritime self-defense force and our Navy play such an important role in this process.”

While in Hawaii, the squadron laid wreaths at the USS Arizona Memorial, the Makiki Japanese Naval Graveyard, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl Cemetery) and at the Ehime Maru Memorial. The Japan Training Squadron Drummer Band Team also performed at the Ala Moana Shopping Center May 4.

Japanese Sailors also toured the guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) and played softball with Sailors from Navy Region Hawaii.

“If there is one part of our special relationship that best defines our friendship and partnership, it is without a doubt our Navy-to-Navy relationship,” said Beebe.

“Our countries’ relations remain strong and relevant. Our countries and Navies must continue to work closely together to maintain peace and prosperity not only in the Pacific, but wherever we have common interests.”