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U.S., Japanese commanders observe F-35B operations aboard USS Wasp

05 February 2019

From MC2 Sarah Myers, Amphibious Squadron 11

The commanders of U.S. 7th Fleet and Japan's Self-Defense Fleet visited to observe amphibious operations at sea.

EAST CHINA SEA - The commanders of U.S. 7th Fleet and the Japan's Self-Defense Fleet visited the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), Feb. 5, to observe the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) operations at sea.

U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Vice Adm. Kazuki Yamashita were joined by other senior JMSDF officers to showcase Wasp ARG’s amphibious capabilities, including operations by 31st MEU F-35B Lightning II aircraft.

“It’s great getting out to sea with my counterpart, Vice Adm. Yamashita.” Sawyer said. “Our forces work together closely every day and I look forward to seeing that partnership expand with new capabilities, like F-35B.”

The Japan Self-Defense Force has been working with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps to develop greater amphibious capabilities as part of the newly-established Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB).

“I am thankful again for the opportunity to observe USS Wasp and her equipment with the consideration of Vice Adm. Sawyer, C7F.” Yamashita said. “JMSDF and the 7th Fleet are always pursuing deepening joint [interactions] at all levels. Recently, we have received great support from the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps for improving our amphibious operation capability. We continue to implement various missions and exercises with the 7th Fleet for the sake of peace, independence and stability of the region by making it the principle to ‘the strength, readiness’ and ‘always preparing ourselves as if we were on the battlefield.’”

While aboard Sawyer and Yamashita met with Wasp ARG leaders, received briefs about amphibious capabilities and observed flight operations by 31st MEU F-35B Lightning II aircraft.

The Wasp ARG, 31st MEU team is a mobile and lethal force capable of multiple mission areas including non-combatant evacuation operations, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, visit board search and seizure, tactical aircraft recovery and full amphibious warfare.

Wasp, flagship of the Wasp ARG, with embarked 31st MEU, is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency.

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