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U.S., Japanese Sailors Strengthen Ties During ANNUALEX 21G

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091116-03
Release Date: 11/16/2009 10:19:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Marcus Mince, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GW CSG) Sailors and embarked members of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) are working hand-in-hand during the Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX) 21G to improve interoperability between U.S. and Japanese forces.

"We can learn from them and they can learn from us, which will help us develop procedures to operate better as a team," said GW Operations Officer Cmdr. Anthony Calandra.

As part of the bilateral exercise, 42 embarked JMSDF members are working with GW CSG Sailors in the ship's Combat Direction Center to assist in anti-submarine warfare, air-to-air warfare and air-to-surface warfare.

"Our main job while on board is supporting GW," said Lt. Takuo Kobayashi, the embarked JMSDF operations officer. "Doing our job on board is in compliance with what GW needs for us to do in order to assist in the training exercise."

Kobayashi explained the embarked JMSDF members are observing and offering advice on how GW can project Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5's airpower during the offensive and defensive scenarios presented during ANNUALEX 21G.

While several Navy ships are participating in ANNUALEX 21G, Calandra said the exercise is especially important for GW because of the close relationship the ship has with Japan.

"Operating from [Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan], we have to be able to work closely with the Japanese in the event of a crisis," said Calandra.

Kobayashi said by working side-by-side on GW, ANNUALEX 21G helps build both professional and personal ties between the two nations.

"I think exercises like these will help George Washington Sailors to deepen friendships with natives of Japan," said Kobayashi.

GW is commanded by Capt. David A. Lausman, the flagship of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, which is commanded by Rear Adm. Kevin M. Donegan.

GW departed its forward-deployed port of Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan Oct. 6 on its second fall deployment as the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed carrier presence. The GW CSG includes CVW-5, Destroyer Squadron 15, and the guided-missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Cowpens (CG 63).