PEARL HARBOR - Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) submarine JS Mochishio (SS 600) arrived here Oct. 31 for annual training exercises with U.S. Navy submarine forces.

Mochishio is here as part of an ongoing strategy of theater engagement, training and building partnerships. USS La Jolla (SSN 701) of Commander Submarine Squadron COMSUBRON) 1 will be the host submarine to the Mochishio during their stay.

"Submarine Squadron One is happy to welcome JS Mochishio to Pearl Harbor and we look forward to their stay here for the next couple months," said Capt. Stanley Robertson, COMSUBRON 1. "As a valued partner in the Pacific, these visits are important to develop friendships, mutual understanding and to ensure our readiness to face future contingencies.

Commissioned in March 2008 and based out of Kure, Japan, the Oyashio-class submarine will be conducting both in-port and at-sea training on undersea tactics, anti-submarine warfare and wartime strategies. Continued joint training operations are essential aspects of maintaining strong relationships and enhancing interoperability with allies in the Pacific.

"This visit is very important to the submarine forces and the main purpose is to train hard together with the U.S. Navy and learn from each other," said Cmdr. Ume Hara, Mochiship commanding officer. "The outcome of all the hard work of both navies will make the Japan-U.S. relationship stronger."

La Jolla's commanding officer, Cmdr. Jeff Bernard said he and his crew are ready and eager to work with the JMSDF.

"The officers and crew of USS La Jolla are very excited and proud to be selected to participate as the host submarine, said Bernard. "We are looking forward to working with the Mochishio".

The upcoming exercises are designed to enhance the tactical proficiency of warfare capabilities in a variety of sea operations and strengthen their knowledge in joint training operations.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/subpac/.