COLUMN
JMSDF Training and Exercises
Bilateral Exercise with the U.S. Army
On June 15th, the JMSDF conducted a bilateral exercise with the U.S. Army over the sea and air zone in the southern Kanto region. JS Kaga and two UH-60Ls of the U.S. Army conducted a helicopter deck landing and departing training. The JMSDF improved its tactical skills and strengthened cooperation with the U.S. Army through this training.
Overseas Training Cruise
On June 9th, the FY2020 Overseas Training Cruise (first half) unit left Kure Base. This year, the JMSDF has divided the overseas training cruise into two periods due to the JMSDF operations. The first-half unit will sail for a month and half without port call, except one at Singapore for supply, in order to avoid the risk of COVID-19 infections.
The Overseas Training Cruise is implemented for junior officers who have graduated from general Officer Candidate Course at JMSDF Officer Candidate School. The Cruise is aimed at getting them to acquire necessary knowledge and skills and to expand their views on domestic and overseas environments as well as to develop the qualities that are required as JMSDF junior officers.
- ▷ Duration: 44 days, from June 9th to July 22nd
- ▷ Vessels: Training Vessel JS Kashima and JS Shimayuki
- ▷ Personnel: approx. 500 (including approx. 150 who completed general Officer Candidate Course)
- ▷ Port call: Singapore (Changi) ※supply only (no landing)
On June 22nd, the training unit held a goodwill training with the Republic of Singapore Navy in the South China Sea to promote mutual understanding and a relationship of trust. The Frigate RSS Stalwart from the Singaporean Navy joined the training unit for tactical maneuver and communications training. On June 23rd, they conducted a bilateral training with the U.S. Navy’s Gabrielle Giffords. This training contributed to improving the tactical skills of the JMSDF and to strengthening the cooperation with the U.S. Navy. Furthermore, on June 27th, they held another goodwill training for tactical maneuver and communications training with the Indian Navy’s destroyer INS Rana and the corvette INS Kulish in the Indian Ocean. Through this training, they promoted mutual understanding and a relationship of trust with the Indian Navy.