NEWS
The Self Defense Fleet participated in Self Defense Forces Joint Exercise for Rescue (06JXR).
During 20-24 May, the Self Defense Fleet participated in Self Defense Forces Joint Exercise for Rescue (06JXR). The exercise was a rehearsal of the Self Defense Forces’ disaster relief activities based on the assumption of trench type earthquake around the Japan Trench and the Kuril Islands Trench.
This trench-type earthquake is estimated to cause maximum seismic intensity 6 upper and maximum tsunami height of approximately 30 meters, resulting in extensive tsunami damage and maximum death toll of about 199,000 (JMA HP). In this exercise, the JMSDF was able to grasp details on damage and engage in life-saving activities by its aircraft in the early stages of the disaster, and transported disaster relief teams from sea to land even when land access was not available, which reminded us of the importance of the JMSDF maximizing its unique mobility.
On May 23, Commander in Chief, Self Defense Fleet, VADM SAITO met with Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, General YOSHIDA Yoshihide, Commandant, Joint Staff College, Lieutenant General YAJIMA Masahito, and Commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, VADM Fred Kacher, who visited the Maritime Operation Center to inspect the exercise. They agreed that in the event of a large-scale disaster, Japan and the U.S. would respond to any situation through strong cooperation that has been developed by regular Japan-U.S. bilateral surveillance and information gathering activities and exercises. Taking advantage of this valuable opportunity, and based on the common understanding that the Japan-U.S. Alliance has reached an unprecedented height, the participants also discussed more effective command and control system and force operations for conducting integrated and joint Japan-U.S. operations quickly and seamlessly from peacetime through gray zone to a contingency, with the aim of further strengthening the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance.
Based on firm determination to protect the lives and property of Japanese citizens, the Self Defense Fleet is committed to conducting various exercises and surveillance activities as well as to further strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance in order to respond promptly and appropriately to any situation including disaster response.
