USS Ronald Reagan hosts senior enlisted advisor to Japan's Joint Staff

10 November 2021

Warrant Officer Shigeru Sawada visited for a professional exchange and to discuss the U.S. Navy and Japan Self-Defense Force partnership.

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YOKOSUKA, Japan (Nov. 8, 2021) Command Master Chief Chris King describes flight deck operations with Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of Staff, Japan Joint Staff, Warrant Officer Shigeru Sawada aboard the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Daniel G. Providakes)

Command Master Chief Chris King describes flight deck operations with Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of Staff, Japan Joint Staff, Warrant Officer Shigeru Sawada aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in Yokosuka, Japan, Nov. 8, 2021. (U.S. Navy/MCSN Daniel G. Providakes)

YOKOSUKA, Japan - Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of Staff, Japan Joint Staff, Warrant Officer Shigeru Sawada visited the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Nov. 8.

While aboard Ronald Reagan, Sawada met with Command Master Chief Chris King for a professional exchange and to discuss the ongoing partnership between the United States Navy and Japan Self-Defense Force. During the exchange they also spoke about how Ronald Reagan is maintaining readiness during its current in-port period.

“It’s always an honor to welcome members of the Japan Self-Defense Force aboard and show them what our Sailors are doing to maintain the ship’s warfighting readiness,” said King. “Whether at sea or in port, every chance to meet with and operate alongside our Japanese partners provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to peace and stability throughout the region.”

Command Master Chief Jason Haka, command master chief, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, spoke to the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance.

“The U.S. Japan alliance has never been stronger and exchanges like this with Warrant Officer Sawada continue to strengthen the enduring partnership our two nations share,” Haka said.

The Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Navy have maintained a partnership since both parties signed the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security in 1960, and Ronald Reagan has been forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan since 2015.

Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.