Cowboy, Samurai, Kangaroo, Philippine Eagle, Pho, Elephant, Kiwi, Etc.

[Dark_Falcon]

The USN ships are famously tough because the crew trains in damage control. An empty ship is not tougher than anyone other.

 

True, but design remains key in resisting damage.

[DB]

The old adage is proven once more though - if you want to sink a ship, you let water in, not air.

[JasonJ]

Six F-15s of the USAF 18th Wing from Kadena flew to Komatsu Air Base for joint training in fighter air combat with four F-15Js from the JASDF 6th Air Wing. US aircraft leave Kadena Air Base for training as part of efforts to reduce the influence of training in the local area and to increase interoperability with Japanese forces. This marks the 88th time of such a transfer based training, 52 times to another location in Japan, 36 times to Guam. It is part of the reorganization of US forces in Japan that started in May of 2006. The joint training goes from July 17th to July 20th.

 

 

平成30年7月9日
防衛省

　米軍再編に係る嘉手納飛行場から小松基地への訓練移転（共同訓練）に関する訓練計画概要について、以下のとおりとなりましたので、お知らせします。
　今回で訓練移転は８８回目（国内５２回、グアム等３６回）となり、国内への訓練移転は、平成１８年５月の再編実施のための日米のロードマップに基づき、二国間の相互運用性の向上及び米軍飛行場の周辺地域における訓練活動の影響を軽減するために行われるものです。

◯ 期間 ：平成３０年７月１６日（月）～２０日（金）
（ただし、祝日は訓練を行わない。）
◯ 参加部隊：〔米軍〕
第１８航空団（嘉手納）
〔航空自衛隊〕
第６航空団（小松）、中部航空警戒管制団（入間）
◯ 使用基地：小松基地
◯ 演練項目：戦闘機戦闘訓練等
◯ 使用訓練空域 ：小松沖空域
◯ 参加規模：タイプⅡ
〔米軍〕
　Ｆ－１５×６機程度 、人員１２０名程度
　※人員、物資輸送のため輸送機が飛来する予定
〔航空自衛隊〕
　Ｆ－１５×４機程度

※　本内容については、今後、変更される場合があります。

 

 

http://www.mod.go.jp/j/press/news/2018/07/09c.html

Edited July 24, 2018 by JasonJ

[Nobu]

North Korea's withdrawal from the NPT feels like so long ago, but it was only in 2003. The subsequent collapse of the 6 Party Talks in 2009 was even more recent.

 

The uncomfortable question remains: if China was to blame for North Korea's reluctance in 2009 to cooperate any longer with the 6-party deal which it helped to broker, does it now deserve credit for the re-opening of North Korea's pathway to denuclearization.

[Nobu]

Russia and China formally settled all their border disputes to the satisfaction of both parties in the early 2000s I believe. This came as a great surprise to me at the time and, it must be admitted, is more than Japan has been able to accomplish in the same period.

 

Trade between China and North Vietnam appears robust as well, unfortunately.

[JasonJ]

Two B-52Hs departed from Guam and conducted joint-training with six F-15Js on July 26th. The B-52s then headed for training with the USN near Okinawa.

 

 

Two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers, assigned to the 96th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, participated in a routine bilateral training mission July 26, 2018.

The bombers took off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and integrated with six Koku Jieitai (Japan Air Self-Defense Force) F-15 fighters in the vicinity of Japan.

Bilateral training missions such as this allow the two countries to improve upon combined capabilities, tactical skills, and relationships.

On conclusion of the bilateral training, the B-52Hs conducted training with the U.S. Navy in the vicinity of Okinawa, Japan before returning to Guam.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Continuous Bomber Presence (CBP) operations have been ongoing since March 2004; this recent mission is consistent with international law and United States’ long-standing and well-known freedom of navigation policies.

CBP operations are intended to maintain the readiness of U.S. forces and are a key component to improving combined and joint service interoperability.

 

 

Four more images in the spoiler

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1587095/us-japan-bomber-fighter-integration-training-showcases-strength-of-alliance/

Edited July 28, 2018 by JasonJ

[JasonJ]

Around 1200 personnel from the JGSDF and around 850 personnel from US Army to conduct joint exercise Orient Shield 2018 that will go from August 26th to September 19th at Ojyojibara and Somagahara training centers.

 

Out of the past number of years of reading these SDF joint training reports, this is the first time to see an English copy in the same PDF file.

http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/news/press/2018/pdf/20180726.pdf

[JasonJ]

Soryu-class submarine JS Kokuryu of Submarine flotilla 2 will be dispatched to Hawaii for training that goes from August 21st to November 17th. Japan has been sending a submarine to the US for training since 1963. Including times when a Japanese submarine has been dispatched to RIMPAC exercises, this time will mark the 75th time for dispatching a submarine to the US for training.

http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/201808/20180807-02.pdf

[JasonJ]

The UK and Japan to carry out joint-training in amphibious operations for the first time on August 23rd and the 24th to improve the self defense forces amphibious capabilities and to strengthen reliability and cooperation with the British forces. The training will involve landings via boat and LCACs and JGSDF helicopter landing and taking off from a British ship. It will take place at Numatzu training center and the waters around it. JS Shimokita will participate.

http://www.mod.go.jp/js/Press/press2018/press_pdf/p20180810_01.pdf

[JasonJ]

Oops forgot to insert mandatory Japan bad post.

[2805662]

https://news.usni.org/2018/08/09/video-rimpac-showcases-evolution-expansion-australias-amphibious-force

 

ABOARD HMAS ADELAIDE, OFF THE COAST OF HAWAII Australias amphibious force was a breakout star of the Rim of the Pacific 2018 exercise, being thrust into visible leadership role when the U.S. Navys amphibious assault ship suffered mechanical failures and remained pierside for most of the at-sea exercise.

[JasonJ]

https://news.usni.org/2018/08/09/video-rimpac-showcases-evolution-expansion-australias-amphibious-force

ABOARD HMAS ADELAIDE, OFF THE COAST OF HAWAII Australias amphibious force was a breakout star of the Rim of the Pacific 2018 exercise, being thrust into visible leadership role when the U.S. Navys amphibious assault ship suffered mechanical failures and remained pierside for most of the at-sea exercise.

Well done Australia, that's what allies are for.

[JasonJ]

JS Kirishima forms part of the USS Ronald Reagan CSG as part of bilateral training. The joint training started on August 14th/15th and will go from the waters south of the Kanto region to the waters south of Shikoku.

 

 

PHILIPPINE SEA -- The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG), JS Kirishima, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) personnel from the Commander, Escort Division (CCD) 6 embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) started bilateral training Aug. 14.

CSG units and JMSDF units worked together and participated in an air defense exercise, communication evolutions, and provided support for aircraft squadrons embarked aboard Ronald Reagan.

"Working side by side we have used this opportunity to train together to further streamline our communications through exercises and other tactical events," said Lt. Jeff Kryski, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15’s assistant planning officer.

While embarked aboard Ronald Reagan and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), CSG and CCD 6 personnel conducted unit level training to increase interoperability between U.S. Navy and JMSDF units and improve the tactical skills of both maritime forces.

"Having CCD 6 personnel aboard greatly benefits both JMSDF and DESRON 15 by allowing both sides to continue our strong and lasting partnership," said Kryski.

The Ronald Reagan Strike Group is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in the support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

http://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1605802/ronald-reagan-strike-group-and-japan-maritime-self-defense-force-conduct-bilate/

http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=266260

 

http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/201808/20180817.pdf

[JasonJ]

India and Japan to develop military supply sharing and this Autumn to have first exercise between Indian Army and JGSDF.

Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera and his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman agreed on Monday to start talks on a bilateral acquisition and cross-servicing agreement.

 

The two nations will seek to counter China’s growing influence in South Asia through an agreement known as an ACSA, allowing them to share defense capabilities and supplies including fuel and ammunition.

 

During talks in New Delhi, they also confirmed steady progress in preparing for the first joint exercise — this autumn — of Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force and the Indian Army.

 

“Security cooperation between Japan and India is vital for regional stability, and we will continue to deepen our partnership,” Onodera told reporters after the meeting.

 

The two countries also agreed that Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force will participate as an observer in joint training by the air forces of the United States and India, and to ensure U.N. sanctions against North Korea are fully implemented to compel its complete denuclearization.

 

At the beginning of the meeting, the first between the Japanese and Indian defense chiefs since last September, Onodera, apparently with China in mind, said he will make efforts to promote fundamental values such as freedom of navigation and the rule of law.

 

Japan is striving to bolster cooperation with Asian and African countries based on its “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy,” a policy promoted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and endorsed by the United States. Tokyo and Washington are keen to counter China’s growing influence in the region, in part through its “One Belt, One Road” infrastructure initiative to connect countries along the ancient Silk Road.

 

Arriving in India on Sunday, Onodera paid a courtesy call on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and signed the book of condolences for former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who died Thursday, before meeting with Sitharaman.

 

On Tuesday, Onodera will visit Sri Lanka for talks with President Maithripala Sirisena, who doubles as defense minister.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/08/20/national/politics-diplomacy/japan-india-agree-begin-talks-defense-sharing-pact-counter-china/#.W3roABlcVdY

[JasonJ]

The UK and Japan to carry out joint-training in amphibious operations for the first time on August 23rd and the 24th to improve the self defense forces amphibious capabilities and to strengthen reliability and cooperation with the British forces. The training will involve landings via boat and LCACs and JGSDF helicopter landing and taking off from a British ship. It will take place at Numatzu training center and the waters around it. JS Shimokita will participate.

http://www.mod.go.jp/js/Press/press2018/press_pdf/p20180810_01.pdf

 

Due to the typhoon, it was cancelled.

http://www.mod.go.jp/js/Press/press2018/press_pdf/p20180822_01.pdf

[JasonJ]

Exercise Rising Thunder - About 230 US Army personnel to train with about 130 from the JGSDF with various infantry weapons and Strikers at Yakima training center in Washington state from August 23rd to September 22nd.

http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/news/press/2018/pdf/20180802.1.pdf

 

Exercise Northern Viper - About 1,250 personnel from the JGSDF to train with about 1,500 personnel from the USMC with various infantry weapons, HIMARS, Type 99 155mm SPGs, MV-22s, CH-53, etc. Training locations include Hokkaido large maneuver grounds, Yasubetsu maneuver grounds, and Kamifurano maneuver grounds. Goes from September 10th to September 29th.

http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/news/press/2018/pdf/20180823.pdf

[JasonJ]

 

The UK and Japan to carry out joint-training in amphibious operations for the first time on August 23rd and the 24th to improve the self defense forces amphibious capabilities and to strengthen reliability and cooperation with the British forces. The training will involve landings via boat and LCACs and JGSDF helicopter landing and taking off from a British ship. It will take place at Numatzu training center and the waters around it. JS Shimokita will participate.

http://www.mod.go.jp/js/Press/press2018/press_pdf/p20180810_01.pdf

 

Due to the typhoon, it was cancelled.

http://www.mod.go.jp/js/Press/press2018/press_pdf/p20180822_01.pdf

 

 

However, HMS Albion and JS Shimokita still found some time on August 25th to conduct joint-training on their own in waters south of the main Honshu island, making it the first time for the JMSDF to train with HMS Albion.

http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/201808/20180827.pdf

[JasonJ]

USS Wasp-led Amphibious Ready Group joined by JS Osumi in the Philippine Sea on August 26th for a PASSEX.

 

 

 

PHILIPPINE SEA - Ships assigned to the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), with attached 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, partnered with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) amphibious transport dock ship JS Osumi (LST 4001) to conduct a passing exercise (PASSEX), Aug. 26.

During a PASSEX, multiple ships sail in formation to practice communications and maneuvering procedures. Participating in this PASSEX with the Osumi was amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) and guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86). The exercise allowed the ships to improve each crews' knowledge and strengthen a wide variety of seamanship skills.

Rear Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet, said this PASSEX served as another building block in the continued positive relationship with the JMSDF.

"We proved earlier this year the success of operating side-by-side with the Kaijō Jieitai [Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force] and continue that success with the Osumi,” said Cooper referencing combined navigational maneuvers with amphibious transport dock JS Shimokita (LST 4002) in April.

“Today, we continue to strengthen our relationship and work together as one team with the goal of enhancing our combined amphibious capabilities,” Cooper said.

For the Sailors aboard participating ships, it was also their chance to improve their skills with their Japanese counterparts sailing alongside.

“Being in this part of the world it’s imperative to train with our allies in order to be as efficient as possible and become better overall. We are setting the standard and everyone is seeing what we do out here and how we do it right,” said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Austin Reid, from Springfield, Mo, who supported the PASSEX aboard the Ashland.

"Communication is key when operating in close quarters. It was a pleasure maneuvering and navigating within a few hundred yards of JMSDF Osumi,” said Lt.j.g. Davis Chandlert, USS Green Bay’s officer of the deck during the PASSEX.

The Wasp ARG is currently operating in the region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency.

https://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/130365

 

 

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 26, 2018) The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) and dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), both a part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), sail alongside the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) amphibious transport dock ship JS Osumi (LST 4001) during a passing exercise (PASSEX). PASSEX enabled the Wasp ARG and the JMSDF a chance to practice communications and maneuvering procedures. The Wasp ARG is currently operating in the region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Taylor King)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/compacflt/44292976201/in/photostream/

 

 

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 26, 2018) The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), along with the transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), and Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86), sail alongside the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) amphibious transport dock ship JS Osumi (LST 4001) during a passing exercise (PASSEX). PASSEX enabled the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group and the JMSDF a chance to practice communications and maneuvering procedures. The Wasp ARG is currently operating in the region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Taylor King)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/compacflt/44292977261/in/photostream/

[JasonJ]

The above group of ships continued to waters around Okinawa and conducted joint-training through to August 27th. It's the second time for the JMSDF to train with a Wasp-Class Amphibious Assault Ship.

http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/201808/20180828.pdf

[JasonJ]

Only American movement but still taking place here, thought it was interesting.

 

Around twelve F-15s and three KC-135s from the 18th Wing stationed at Kadena and around five EA-18s from the 138th Electronic Attack Squadron stationed at Misawa go to Guam for training that goes from September 4th to September 30th.

http://www.mod.go.jp/j/press/news/2018/08/29b.html

 

Around ten FA-18s, eight F-35s, and 4 KC-130s from Marine Aircraft Group 12 stationed at Iwakuni go to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands for training that goes from September 4th to September 30th.

http://www.mod.go.jp/j/press/news/2018/08/29c.html

 

Around twelve F-15s from the 18th Wing stationed at Kadena go to Guam for training that goes from September 10th to September 21st.

http://www.mod.go.jp/j/press/news/2018/08/29d.html

[JasonJ]

JS Sazanami, HMAS Melbourne, HMCS Calgary, MV Asterix, and HMNZS Te Mana conducted joint-training from August 24th to August 31st going from Guam down to the waters near Darwin, Australia. Worth adding that a large multilateral naval exercise is taken place in Australia that is called Exercise Kakadu.

 

http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/201808/20180831-01.pdf

Edited September 1, 2018 by JasonJ

[JasonJ]

Exercises Koolendong and Southern Frontier in Northern Australia go from August 17th to September 5th

http://Koolendong and Southern Frontier

 

 

MOUNT BUNDEY, Australia (Aug. 25, 2018) - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (VMM-268) hook up an M777 Howitzer from Mike Battery, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, to an MV-22 Osprey during Marine Rotational Force – Darwin’s Exercise Koolendong at Mount Bundey Training Area, Australia. This is the first time an Osprey has lifted and moved a Howitzer in an austere environment in Australia and it is the first time an entire artillery battery deployed in support of MRF-D. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Wetzel) 180825-M-AR635-112

https://www.flickr.com/photos/us-pacific-command/29433815967/in/dateposted-public/

[JasonJ]

USS Ronald Reagan, JS Kaga, and there accompanying ships conducted joint-training in the South China Sea on August 31st.

 

 

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Aug. 31, 2018) The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), second from bottom, lead ship of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), bottom, and the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69), left, conduct a photo exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) helicopter destroyer JS Kaga (DDH 184), second from top, and the JMSDF destroyers JS Inazuma (DD 105) and JS Suzutsuki (DD 117). The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erwin Jacob Villavicencio Miciano/Released)

https://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=266936

Eight more pictures in the spoiler

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/ussronaldreagan/photos/pcb.10155538199812021/10155538196082021/?type=3&theater

http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/201808/20180831-02.pdf

 

 

[JasonJ]

The joint-exercise schedule for units of the JGSDF with other countries for Fiscal Year 2018. I usually avoid articles that talk about planned events because of the possibility of cancellations, changes, or the ariticle itself just being fake hype, but, this document is probably more likely to really happen. But the document does say possibility of some changes and possible additional exercises as part of coordination with the US.

 

US-Japan joint-training

-Command and Control: Yama Sakura 74, Northern Army, in the US, June

-Command and Control: Yama Sakura 75, Northern Army, in Japan, December

 

-Working exercise with US Army in Japan: Orient Shield, North Eastern Army, August-September

-Working exercise with US Army in Japan: North Wind, Northern Army, January-March

 

-Working exercise with USMC in Japan: Northern Viper, Northern Army, July-September

-Working exercise with USMC in Japan: Forest Light 01, Western Army, October-December

-Working exercise with USMC in Japan: Forest Light 02, Middle Army, January-March

 

-Working exercise with US Army in the US: Raising Thunder, Eastern Army, August-September

-Working exercise with US Army in the US: Arctic Aurora, Combined Ground, May-June

-Working exercise with US Army in the US: at the National Training Center, Northern Army, January-March

-Working exercise with US Army in the US: RIMPAC (anti-ship warfare), Western Army, June-August

 

-Working exercise with USMC in the US: RIMPAC (Amphibious vehicles), Combined Ground, June-August

-Working exercise with USMC in the Philippines: KAMANDAG, Combined Ground, September-October

-Working exercise with USMC in the US: Iron Fist, Combined Ground, January-March

 

Japan-US-Australia joint-training

-Participation in Australia: AASAM, Fuji School, April-May

-Working exercise with US and Australia militaries in Australia: Southern Jackaroo, Eastern Army, May-June

-Working exercise with US and Australia militaries in Japan: disaster countermeasures, Middle Army, October

 

Multi-national exercise in Mongolia called Khaan Quest, Combined Ground, June

 

Working exercise with the British Army in Japan: Fuji School, September-October

 

Working exercise with the Indian Army in India: Eastern Army, October-December

 

Four working exercise activities with British Army and Indian Army during the working exercise with the US in anti-ship warfare and the training at the National Training Center in the US.

http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/news/press/2018/pdf/20180406.pdf

 

That JGSDF unit will be from the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, i.e, Japanese marines. They will also participate in up coming Exercise Keen Sword 2018 which will involve the three JSDF branches and the four military branches of the US military that will take place in October.

 

 

TOKYO -- Japan's newly launched marine unit will hold joint exercises with the U.S. in October off the coast of Okinawa and in the South China Sea to show off its readiness to counter invaders amid Beijing's military expansion in the region.

 

The Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade will first take part in the Kamandag exercise by American and Philippine forces, focusing mainly on disaster response training. The unit is also slated to join the Keen Sword exercise later in October between Japan and the U.S., simulating retaking islands from invaders and other operations with U.S. Marines.

 

Keen Sword involves all three branches of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, as well as the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. In 2016, about 25,000 Japanese and 10,000 American service members participated. The addition of Japanese marines this year will help bolster the countries' ability to defend remote islands.

 

The marine unit of the Ground SDF launched at the end of March with roughly 2,100 members. The amphibious force is designed to take back islands in the case of a foreign occupation. It engaged in joint operations with the Maritime SDF in May, and conducted a small drill with the U.S. in Hawaii this summer.

 

China placed its Coast Guard, whose vessels frequently sail in waters near Japan's Senkaku Islands, which China claims as the Diaoyu, under the Central Military Commission in July. The move could blur the lines between the guard, which is not technically a military organization, and the Chinese military. Japan hopes that its marines will deter China from continued expansionism in the region.

 

The Defense Ministry plans to deploy Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft in Saga Prefecture for transporting the marine unit. Saga Gov. Yoshinori Yamaguchi has accepted the deployment but negotiations with local fishermen remain.

 

"Without the deployment of Ospreys, we will not be able to respond swiftly to contingencies," said a concerned Defense Ministry official.

 

https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-Relations/Japan-s-new-marines-to-stage-drills-to-deter-China

 

 

Eleven Australian aircraft that include FA-18s to visit Hokkaido for joint training with around 10 F-15Js and F-2s from September 10th through to September 30th.

 

 

 

Japan's Air Self-Defense Force and the Royal Australian Air Force will engage in joint exercises for the first time in Japan, against a backdrop of China's increasing military presence.

 

Japanese officials say 11 Australian aircraft, including several FA-18s, will arrive at Chitose Air Base in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on September 10th. The training runs through the 30th.

 

Around 10 F-15 and F-2 aircraft from Japan will also take part.

 

The training will include combat exercises off northern Japan.

 

The Air Self-Defense Force has held a number of training sessions with the US Air Force. In 2016, it trained with Britain's Royal Air Force for the first time in Japan.

 

General Yoshinari Marumo, the ASDF chief of staff, said that training with not only the US but also Britain and Australia helps Self-Defense Force personnel improve their skills.

 

 

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180831_32/

Edited September 3, 2018 by JasonJ

[JasonJ]

Exercise Rising Thunder - About 230 US Army personnel to train with about 130 from the JGSDF with various infantry weapons and Strikers at Yakima training center in Washington state from August 23rd to September 22nd.

http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/news/press/2018/pdf/20180802.1.pdf

 

Exercise Northern Viper - About 1,250 personnel from the JGSDF to train with about 1,500 personnel from the USMC with various infantry weapons, HIMARS, Type 99 155mm SPGs, MV-22s, CH-53, etc. Training locations include Hokkaido large maneuver grounds, Yasubetsu maneuver grounds, and Kamifurano maneuver grounds. Goes from September 10th to September 29th.

http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/news/press/2018/pdf/20180823.pdf

 

Cancelled because of magnitude 6.7 earthquake in Hokkaido. JGSDF need to help with rescue and recovery.

http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/news/press/2018/pdf/20180906.pdf

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/06/powerful-earthquake-hits-hokkaido-off-japan