JS ASHIGARA conducted a bilateral exercise with the U.S. Navy.

During January 15-23, 2023, JS ASHIGARA conducted a bilateral exercise with USS ANTIETAM, USS SHILOH, USS RAFAEL PERALTA, USNS JOHN ERICSSON, and USNS WASHINGTON CHAMBERS in the vicinities of south of Kanto, south of Shikoku, and Okinawa. Through Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT), which included advanced and complex scenarios involving anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare, the JMSDF contributed to the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.
Through this exercise, the Commanding Officer of JS ASHIGARA, CAPT SAKAI Kiichiro, said “It was really useful for us to deepen our understanding of U.S. Navy tactics through this bilateral exercise. As the situation in Indo-Pacific theater becomes more challenging, it is very important to enhance interoperability with the U.S. Navy not only for the security of Japan, but also for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. I’m looking forward to the JMSDF participating in future SWATT exercises.”
The Self-Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, not only for the defense of Japan but also for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” in cooperation with allied and friendly navies.