USS McCampbell, JS Takanami Demonstrate Interoperability During Goodwill Exercise
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS140313-01
Release Date: 3/13/2014 8:01:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro, USS McCampbell Public Affairs
USS MCCAMPBELL, At Sea (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) participated in a goodwill exercise with Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) destroyer Takanami (DD 110), March 9-10.
The ships exchanged crew members and conducted helicopter operations, ship handling, anti-submarine warfare and air warfare events - all with the goal of building cooperation, understanding and interoperability between the two forces.
'Cooperative events like the personnel exchange and anti-submarine warfare exercise serve to improve and strengthen both of our nations' maritime capabilities,' said Lt. Michael Burling, McCampbell's damage control assistant and anti-submarine warfare evaluator. 'The Japanese crew we had on board from Takanami was very professional and helpful. Anytime we can train and work beside our counterparts from the JMSDF offers a phenomenal opportunity to learn different methods and techniques in ship handling and tactics.'
McCampbell participated in ship handling evolutions, cross deck helicopter operations, air defense exercises, and anti-submarine warfare exercises with Takanami.
'The shipboard deck landing period successfully demonstrated shipboard aviation interoperability between the U.S. Navy and JMSDF,' said Lt. Steven Kelly, McCampbell's helicopter control officer. 'It was a unique experience and one that I hope to participate in again in the future.'
The embarked crew members from the Takanami also felt the combined training was valuable.
'This has been a very enjoyable experience for us,' said JMSDF Chief Petty Officer Akira Ito. 'McCampbell's crew has great teamwork and we're fortunate to be welcomed on board. Both navies have learned a lot from our time together.'
McCampbell is on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
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