Essex ESG Completes Keen Sword 2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Casey H. Kyhl, USS Essex Public Affairs

USS ESSEX, At Sea (NNS) -- The forward-deployed Essex Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) and Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) completed exercise Keen Sword 2011 Dec. 10 off the coast of Okinawa, Japan.

The eight-day exercise was conducted in accordance with agreements between the U.S. and Japan, and was designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness and continue the development of the 50-year alliance between the two nations.

"Japan is a lynchpin to stability and security in the Western Pacific and is one of our most important allies," said Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet. "By sharing each other's best practices, we have heightened the level of seamanship and professionalism between us."

Thousands of service members assigned to air, sea, and land units from both countries participated in the exercise.

U.S. and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force sailors demonstrated shipboard aviation interoperability Dec. 7 by conducting deck landing qualifications on ships from both nations. Aircraft included a JMSDF SH-60K Sea Hawk and two U.S. CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters.

The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) also embarked two JMSDF landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) vehicles from the tank landing ship JS Kunisaki (LST 4003).

"These cross-decking evolutions prove that we can work through procedural differences and conduct successful asset exchanges," said Capt. Mark E. Weber, commander, Amphibious Task Group 76.4. "I have been truly impressed with the amount of cooperation and collaboration that has taken place during this exercise."

At the beginning of the exercise, Essex embarked 13 JMSDF officers and enlisted sailors of Command Escort Squadron Two and integrated them into the ship's watch organization. Those sailors worked side-by-side with Essex Sailors to complete Keen Sword and learn from each other along the way.

"My time on board Essex has been very exciting," said JMSDF Lt. Naoki Shirasaka, a Command Escort Division Two liaison officer embarked aboard Essex. "The coordination between our services has made for a great exercise, and our good communication has helped improve our alliance."

A live-fire exercise involving U.S. and JMSDF ships, as well as fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft from the Essex ESG and George Washington Carrier Strike Group (CSG) was conducted Dec. 8-9. JMSDF and U.S. Navy Sailors working side-by-side in the supporting arms coordination center (SACC) aboard Essex organized and controlled the evolution.

"I have no doubt in our ability to integrate rapidly to take any mission with the JMSDF," said Weber. "We have again proven that we have a very strong working relationship and a healthy alliance. This exercise has been a resounding success."

The Essex ESG is composed of Amphibious Squadron 11, USS Essex (LHD 2), the amphibious transport dock USS Denver (LPD 9) and the dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46). Elements of the 31st MEU are embarked.

George Washington Carrier Strike Group, JMSDF Wrap Up Keen Sword 2011

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cheryl Callahan, USS George Washington Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) concluded the joint bilateral exercise Keen Sword 2011, Dec. 10.

The exercise began Dec. 3 and involved units from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, working closely with their Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF) counterparts at military bases throughout mainland Japan, Okinawa and in the waters surrounding Japan.

"I am exceptionally pleased with the outcome of the training we conducted with the Kaijo Jietai," said Rear Adm. Dan Cloyd, commander, Task Force 70. "For many years we've been operating together side-by-side and today, because of the inspiring efforts of our teams and all those who have gone before us, we effectively serve as one force."

More than 54,000 service members, 60 U.S. and JMSDF ships and 430 aircraft participated in this year's exercise. Keen Sword 2011 was one of the largest joint operations exercises in the world this year.

In addition to testing both nation's interoperability in the areas of integrated air and missile defense, close air support (CAS) and maritime defense and interdiction, USS George Washington (CVN 73) hosted more than 30 Sailors from the JMSDF who coordinated the naval portion of the exercise from aboard the aircraft carrier. Dozens of others visited the ship throughout Keen Sword as part of an educational exchange.

"I've operated with the JMSDF for many years," said Capt. David A. Lausman, USS George Washington (CVN 73) commanding officer. "They're extremely professional sailors, and I welcome the opportunity to serve by their side. When sailing alongside the JS Ikazuchi, it was just like sailing next to a U.S. Navy ship. There was no difference."

This was the tenth time the U.S. Navy and the JMSDF have met to conduct the Keen Sword exercise which began in 1986. The timing of this exercise also coincided with the 50th anniversary of the signing of the US-Japan Cooperation and Security Treaty.

"For more than half a century, this alliance has served as the foundation for collective security and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region," said Cloyd. "The Kaijo Jietai and U.S. Navy are committed to ensuring that our professional relationship and close friendship continues to serve each of our nations for many years to come."

Keen Sword exercise sharpens US-Japan alliance

by Airman 1st Class Tara A. Williamson, 18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- About 10,500 U.S. servicemembers and their Japan Self Defense Force counterparts are participating in exercise Keen Sword 2011, Dec. 3 through 10, on military installations throughout mainland Japan, Okinawa and in the water surrounding Japan.

Keen Sword is a regularly-scheduled exercise designed to strengthen U.S. and Japanese military interoperability and meet mutual defense objectives, according to exercise planners.

"Keen Sword will cap the 50th anniversary of the Japan-U.S. alliance as an 'alliance of equals,'" said Maj. William Vause, the chief of operational plans, training and exercises. "It is the largest bilateral exercise between the United States and Japan military forces. (The exercise) will better enhance both of our countries' readiness to respond to varied crisis situations."

Training events include integrated air and missile defense, base security and force protection, close-air support, live-fire training, maritime defense and interdiction, and search and rescue.

"Guardian Angel rescue specialists delivering combat medical care under extreme duress, have very unique ground focused rescue techniques," said Capt. Robert L. Wilson, the 31st Rescue Squadron team commander. "Throughout Keen Sword, the 31st (RS) and 33rd (RS) will be employing and sharing techniques with our JSDF partners. Focused mission sets will be maritime rescue, high-angle procedures, and extrication from vehicles."

Keen Sword is also designed to allow Japanese and U.S. servicemembers to practice and evaluate their coordination procedures and interoperability requirements.

"We hope to increase both U.S. and Japanese understanding of our mutual capabilities and rescue limitations," Captain Wilson said. "An exercise like Keen Sword is invaluable for presenting opportunities to establish closer host nation friendships and practicing interoperability for the future."

Keen Sword is not designed to respond to, or mirror, any actual world events, nor is it directed at any nation. This training between Japan and the U.S. has been a routine, recurring event for many years, Major Vause said.

"The goal of Keen Sword is to increase and improve our bilateral relationship to further enhance the Japan and U.S. alliance, and to provide a realistic training environment that allows JSDF and U.S. forces to respond to a wide range of situations," he said.