The San Diego-based Carl Vinson Strike Group began a bilateral exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force on Sunday as part of its regularly scheduled deployment in the Western Pacific.
The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer are conducting combined operations with the Japanese destroyer JS Ise to enhance maritime interoperability between the longstanding allies.
“Strong maritime partnerships maintain security, stability and prosperity, which the Indo-Pacific region has enjoyed for more than 70 years,” said Rear Adm. John Fuller, the strike group commander. “Collaborating with a close maritime partner promotes regional cooperation.”
As part of the exercise, four Japanese liaison officers are on the Carl Vinson to support combined operations. The operations will include formation steaming as well as anti-submarine and air-defense training. Ise will also conduct a replenishment-at-sea with Carl Vinson.
The 646-foot Japanese destroyer displaces 18,000 tons and sails with three helicopters. The ship’s primary missions include anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasure, logistics, and search and rescue.
The Carl Vinson Strike Group also includes Carrier Air Wing 2, a compliment of more than 70 aircraft, and Destroyer Squadron 1.
The strike group completed a historic port visit to Vietnam on March 9. It was the first time a U.S. aircraft carrier had visited in more than 40 years.
