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Tortuga Arrives in Tokyo Prior to Disaster Relief Drill

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070830-20
Release Date: 8/30/2007 6:30:00 PM

From Task Force 76 Public Affairs

TOKYO (NNS) -- USS Tortuga (LSD 46) arrived in Tokyo Aug. 29. in preparation for an upcoming Tokyo Metropolitan Government Disaster Relief Drill.

While in Tokyo, Tortuga Sailors will have the chance to experience the local culture and flavor of Japan’s largest city and engage in friendship building activities. The crew will also host a reception for Japanese government and military officials, which will serve as a primary means to exchange dialogue and enhance nation-to-nation relationships.

On Sept. 1, the ship and its crew will be involved in the evacuation phase of the disaster relief drill. Tortuga will work alongside the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force.

“This exercise and port visit provide an excellent opportunity to enhance cooperation between our two navies and two nations,” said Tortuga Commanding Officer Cmdr. Todd A. Lewis. “We are certain this drill will foster mutual understanding, promote regional training opportunities and further develop lines of communication operations between us and the Japan Self Defense Force for future potential real-world humanitarian assistance or disaster relief.”

Tortuga’s participation in the drill is evidence of the strong relationship and good will that exists between the U.S. and Japan, added Lewis.

At the request of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, this is the second year that the U.S. Navy has participated in this type of drill. USS Gary (FFG 51) participated in a similar drill last year in Tokyo.

Earlier this year, USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) completed Transportation Exercise (TRANSPORTEX) 2007 with the Japanese Ship (JS) Ohsumi (LST 4001) off the coast of Japan. The major evolution of TRANSPORTEX was the transferring of landing craft air cushions (LCACs), of both forces, from one ship to the other.

Such interoperability will be a highlight of this year’s drill. The goal, said Lewis, is to ensure that U.S. and Japanese forces are ready to respond jointly should a disaster strike.

“Readiness is always the key factor in what we do,” said Lewis. “By training, we can better prepare ourselves for whatever may arise. This is a great opportunity to learn and grow closer to our Japanese counterparts and reach a high level of joint preparedness.”

USS Toruga (LSD 46) is a dock landing ship, serving under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force (CTF) 76 is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.