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JMSDF Ships Arrive in San Diego to Participate in Amphibious Exercise

31 May 2013

From U.S. Third Fleet and I Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships JS Shimokita (LST 4002), JS Atago (DDG 177), and JS Hyuga (DDH 181) arrived in San Diego May 31 and will take part in exercise Dawn Blitz in June.

SAN DIEGO - Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMDSF) ships, landing ship tank JS Shimokita (LST 4002); destroyer JS Atago (DDG 177) and helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga (DDH 181) arrived in San Diego May 31.

During the visit, the ships' crews will participate and engage in local community outreach and conduct office calls with local leaders. All three JMSDF ships will also participate in multilateral amphibious exercise Dawn Blitz June 11-28.

Dawn Blitz is a scenario-driven exercise that will test participants in the planning and execution of amphibious operations in a series of live training events to improve naval amphibious core competencies. It is designed to train the Navy and Marine Corps in operations expected of an amphibious exercise and will test staffs in the planning and execution of amphibious operations.

This exercise is one of a series of amphibious training events on both coasts of the U.S. that take place annually. Exercises like Dawn Blitz 2013 provide realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy and Marine Corps.

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