The commander in Chief, Self Defense Fleet, together with Commander, U.S. 7^th Fleet conducted a bilateral press conference on the USS Carl Vinson

On November 30, Vice Admiral YUASA Hideki, Commander in Chief, Self Defense Fleet, together with Vice Admiral Carl Thomas, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet conducted a bilateral press conference on the USS Carl Vinson, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier in the Pacific Ocean.
At the press conference, Commander YUASA said, “Despite the impact of the new coronavirus infection, we were able to conduct realistic exercises, including anti-submarine warfare, by taking advantage of the characteristics of the naval type, such as mobility and flexibility. Through such high-end exercises, the tactical judgment and other skills of each level commanding officers were exercised to improve the JMSDF's ability to carry out its missions. We also worked to improve Bilateral response capabilities and interoperability with the U.S. Navy, as well as to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation with the Australian, Canadian, and German navies. The relationship between the JMSDF and the U.S. Navy has never been stronger, contributing to the strengthening of the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance and playing a role in the establishment of a global partnership. In a situation where threats to maritime security, such as attempts to change the status quo by force, are increasing, strong cooperation among naval forces is essential for the stabilization of the Indo-Pacific region and, by extension, for the peace and stability of the world. The SDF, together with the U.S. 7th Fleet, will continue to respond to various situations and further strengthen cooperation with friendly navies of European countries, including the Australian and Canadian navies and the German navy, toward the realization of a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” thereby contributing to the defense of Japan and the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. We will contribute to the defense of Japan and the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.”
Commander Thomas said, “The ANNUALEX, the largest bilateral exercise U.S. forces conduct with our Kaijo Jieitai counterparts. We have been running 24-hour operations during this exercise, alongside our Japanese, Australian, Canadian and German maritime counterparts. Working alongside each other at sea strengthens our integrated teamwork and continues to build enhanced capabilities into our alliances and partnerships. By sailing and operating side-by-side, we are able to practice and evaluate our interoperability to ensure we, as partners and allies, are capable of rapidly meeting any and all contingencies in the Indo-Pacific region. It is with pride and confidence I can say that the U.S.-Japan alliance has never been stronger and will continue to be the foundation for stability in the region. Our nations' shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific is possible because our two navies maintain and preserve security and stability on the high seas for all nations, large and small, in one of the world's most critical regions.”
In addition, the USS Carl Vinson showed the press the takeoff and landing of the F-35C, the U.S. Navy's most advanced stealth fighter, and its low pass between the carrier and the escort carrier Izumo, which runs alongside it.