Japan Defense Focus No.137

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4+TK/NOn April 27, U-125A and UH-60J operated by Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Ashiya Rescue Squadron conducted training with FA-18 of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) at Hijudai Maneuver Area. The training simulated ground searching and rescuing of ejected U.S. pilots and their transportation to the appropriate base.On May 10, JMSDF, EU NAVFOR and Djibouti Naval and Coast Guard conducted a joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Aden. Japan, the EU and Djibouti confirmed that they committed to maintaining the rules-based international order through practical maritime cooperation. This is the first joint naval exercise, which JMSDF, EU NAVFOR and Djibouti Coast Guard conducted in the Gulf of Aden. MOD/JSDF stands ready to extend our cooperation with partners in the Indian Ocean and Pacific region for the maintenance and enhancement of “Free and Open Indo-Pa-cific”. Following this exercise, Japan, EU and Djibouti issued a joint press release.+%'Japan-U.S. Bilateral Exercise Japan-EU-Djibouti Joint Naval Exercise