U.S. forces, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force participate in Resilient Shield 2021

23 February 2021

From DESRON 15 Public Affairs

More than 77 Japan and U.S. commands are participating in the annual computer-based exercise.

Lt. Jeffrey Alcantara, from Los Angeles, Ca., the anti-terrorism officer assigned to the Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52), stands Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) officer watch in the ship’s combat information center during bi-lateral exercise Resilient Shield 2021. Resilient Shield is an annual computer-based Fleet Synthetic Training-Joint (FST-J) exercise focused on BMD, designed to test U.S. Naval tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) against potential regional threats while ensuring Japanese and U.S. forces are well-rehearsed in executing those TTPs in the 7th Fleet area of operations. As the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet employs 50 to 70 ships and submarines across the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. U.S. 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Lt. Jeffrey Alcantara stands Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) officer watch in the USS Barry (DDG 52) combat information center during exercise Resilient Shield. (U.S. Navy/Ensign Emilio Mackie)

YOKOSUKA, Japan - U.S. and the Japan Self Defense Force will participate in Resilient Shield 2021, Feb. 22-26, at Fleet Activities Yokosuka and other command centers throughout the region.

Resilient Shield is an annual computer-based Fleet Synthetic Training-Joint (FST-J) exercise focused on Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD), designed to test U.S. naval tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) against potential regional threats while ensuring Japanese and U.S. forces are well-rehearsed in executing those TTPs.

"Resilient Shield serves to enhance cooperation and further integrate the unmatched missile defense capabilities of Japan and the United States. This exercise will hone our tactical and operational skill to defeat the most stressing missile defense contingencies in the INDOPACOM region," said Capt. Leslie Sobol, Director of 7th Fleet Task Force Integrated Air and Missile Defense.

Resilient Shield 2021 is specifically focused on maintaining and improving the integrated operational capabilities of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and joint U.S. forces throughout the BMD exercise.

"Resilient Shield provides U.S. and Japanese watch-standers a unique opportunity to refine theater BMD tactics, techniques and procedures and build bilateral capabilities essential to regional missile defense," Cmdr. Jeremy Carlson, commanding officer, USS Benfold (DDG 65).

Both U.S. Navy and JMSDF BMD-capable ships, along with the U.S. Air Force and JASDF, provide an all-domain robust missile defense capability that supports regional security and stability.

More than 77 Japan and U.S. commands will be participating in Resilient Shield 2021.

Commander, Task Force 71 is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, and is the principle surface force supporting and defending U.S. interests and allies in the Indo-Pacific.

As the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet employs 50 to 70 ships and submarines across the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. U.S. 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific region.