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Japanese Sailors Complete Damage Control Training at NAVSTA San Diego

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050701-11
Release Date: 7/1/2005 2:17:00 PM

By Journalist Seaman S. C. Irwin, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors at Naval Base San Diego’s Training Support Center helped Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) sailors conduct damage control training, shipboard warfare training, and chemical, biological and radiological defense drills June 20-24.

“[JMSDF sailors] received hands-on training, like applying box patches and learning how to fight fires in our facility. We also showed them how to apply soft patches,” said repair party leader instructor Damage Controlman 1st Class (SW) Shoen Riley. “The group seemed very interested in learning how we run our drills. They were constantly asking questions throughout the training and seemed genuinely curious.”

JMSDF sailors were trained and then evaluated by instructors on shipboard team firefighting and on properly positioning shoring during the flooding portion of damage control training.

The visiting sailors also entered a gas chamber filled with tear gas, much like the scenario used to train recruits at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Ill.

In addition, U.S. Sailors toured and provided training aboard the Japanese guided-missile destroyers JDS Myoko, JDS Munkinam, and JDS Akabono.

“The U.S. Navy is the most important partner for JMSDF,” said Lt. Daisuke Tsutsui, JMSDF Japanese liaison naval officer assigned to commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet. “This is an excellent opportunity for the JMSDF crew to improve their tactical skills.”

This recent JMSDF port visit is a yearly occurrence that gives the Japanese sailors use of a training facility much different than their own.

“The U.S. Navy Damage Control School is much more advanced than that of Japan,” said Tsutsui. "The opportunity to learn from American instructors and receive as much 'know-how' allows us to provide feedback to the JMSDF educational and training system to improve our training. The U.S. Navy has experienced war, and they have the know-how to fight and rescue under challenging circumstances. This training enhances our country’s ability to smoothly respond.”

The JMSDF ships departed San Diego June 27.