Tag: Sasebo

Trilateral mine warfare exercise puts RAN Minehunters to the test

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November 22, 2018 – At the largest gathering of mine warfare dedicated vessels seen in Japanese waters, HMA Ships Gascoyne and Huon have joined with 22 ships from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the United States Navy (USN) to participate in the first joint mine warfare exercise in the region, Exercise HYUGA NADA 18. Over the next week the combined units will focus on conducting joint training in mine hunting, underwater explosive ordnance disposal, underwater mine disposal vehicle operations and joint interoperability activities. For Gascoyne’s Operations Officer, Lieutenant…

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NAVSEA Assumes Maintenance Functions for SRF-JRMC

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October 1, 2018 – Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) formally assumed responsibility for ship maintenance availabilities at U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center (SRF-JRMC) from Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (USPACFLT) Oct. 1. NAVSEA’s responsibilities includes the oversight of all ship maintenance and repair operations, industrial processes and procedures, and repair-related programs. USPACFLT will retain administrative control and budget authority for SRF-JRMC. “This is a tremendous opportunity for the Navy to implement best practices across all ship maintenance facilities. The added synergy will allow us to…

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USS Chief to Visit Niigata

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USS Chief (MCM 14), forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan, as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet, will make a brief port visit to Niigata, Japan on July 9, 2018. Chief is visiting Niigata for training and goodwill. Conducting port calls provides the crew with experience and improves mission readiness. Chief, commanded by Lt. Cmdr. William A. Russell, is an Avenger-class mine countermeasure ship and is 68.3 meters in length. The ship displaces approximately 1,300 tons with approximately crew size of 90. While in Niigata, the crew is looking forward to…

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Essex ARG, 13th MEU complete integrated training

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Sailors of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and Marines attached to 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) completed ARG/MEU exercise (ARGMEUEX) off the coast of Southern California, May 10. ARGMEUEX is a Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 15 and 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG)-led exercise that provides critical training and feedback prior to the deployment certifying event, composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX). “It was incredible to see the Essex ARG and 13th MEU grow as a team over the course of ARGMUEX,” said Commander, CSG 15, Rear…

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USS Green Bay returns to Sasebo after patrol with 31st MEU

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USS Green Bay (LPD 20) returned to Sasebo, Japan, after a successful patrol with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in the Indo-Pacific region, April 28. Green Bay, serving as the amphibious transport dock in the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group, completed all major events that were part of a pre-set Navy-Marine Corps interoperability and proficiency continuum, first a basic integration phase and then a final certification. Green Bay provided unique enabling capabilities to the ESG by hosting a boat company assigned under 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1) and a detachment of…

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USS Wasp completes historic patrol in Indo-Pacific Patrol

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USS Wasp (LHD 1) returned to Sasebo, April 26, after nearly two months of operations in the Indo-Pacific with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Wasp successfully embarked, maintained, and supported near-daily flight operations of the F-35B Lightning II in that span, part of a first-ever operational deployment of the U.S. Marine Corp’s fifth-generation stealth jet. The operations were part of a routine and regularly scheduled patrol but brought together two San Diego-based destroyers to flex the composite of amphibious ships as an “Up-Gunned Expeditionary Strike Group.” “The crew worked…

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USS Ashland returns to Sasebo

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USS Ashland (LSD 48) returned to Sasebo after a successful routine patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations as part of Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), April 24. Ashland embarked several elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and specialized in a variety of missions to the full spectrum of MEU mission from the sea. Ashland’s configuration provided the Navy-Marine Corps team a mechanized raid capability with a contingent of Amphibious Assault Vehicles, combat air support with a detachment of AH-1Z Viper helicopters, and water purification capabilities from…

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Bonhomme Richard Departs Sasebo for Modernization

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USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) departed Sasebo, Japan, April 18, capping six years of forward-deployed service in the Indo-Pacific. Bonhomme Richard has been the flagship of Amphibious Force 7th Fleet since April 2012, and will now transit to its new homeport in San Diego for follow-on operations and eventual upgrades to accommodate the F-35B Lightning II. During her time as the primary amphibious assault ship in 7th Fleet, Bonhomme Richard participated in a number of exercises such as Talisman Saber with the Australian Defense Force, and exchanges with partners such…

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Emory S. Land visits Sasebo During Indo-Pacific Deployment

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Submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) arrived in Sasebo, Japan April 10, for a visit as part of its deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. The port visit represents an important opportunity to promote stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region, demonstrate commitment to regional partners, and foster growing relationships. The visit is also aimed at building friendship and goodwill between the U.S. Navy and the people of Japan. Emory S. Land is one of two forward-deployed submarine tenders and is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th…

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USS Dewey departs Sasebo to join the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group

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USS Dewey (DDG 105), with embarked Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35 “Magicians” detachment, joined up with the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group March 12 following the ship’s port visit in Sasebo. Dewey is scheduled to participate with the Wasp ESG in a series of training events that will test its ability to conduct defense of the Wasp and associated amphibious ships against air, surface, and subsurface threats. Dewey’s sensors, weapons systems, and tactical watchstanders give the guided-missile destroyer the capability to track and neutralize adversarial forces across a multitude of…

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Green Bay Departs Sasebo for Patrol Following 5-month SRA

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USS Green Bay (LPD 20) departed Sasebo, Japan for a routine patrol in the Indo-Pacific region, March 12. Green Bay will join the USS Wasp (LHD 1) Expeditionary Strike Group as part of a routine patrol in the Indo-Pacific region. The ship is scheduled to receive ammunition before continuing on with its patrol and embarking Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.   Green Bay and other Sasebo-based amphibious ships regularly integrate with the 31st MEU to ensure Navy-Marine Corps interoperability and readiness for any type of contingency in the region. …

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USS Ashland Departs Sasebo for Final Readiness Drills, Regional Patrol

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USS Ashland (LSD 48) departed Sasebo, Japan for an amphibious certification assessment and follow-on patrol in the Indo-Pacific, March 8. Ashland is deploying after several months of maintenance and training in preparation for a Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) that will take place in late spring. The amphibious certification assessment will test the ship’s ability to land and launch landing craft prior to upcoming amphibious operations. Ashland, assigned to the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), is scheduled to embark Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit associated equipment to…

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Dewey arrives in Sasebo for Up-Gunned ESG Planning with Amphibious Force

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USS Dewey (DDG 105), with embarked Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35 “Magicians” arrived in Sasebo, Japan for a scheduled port visit, Feb. 28. While in port, Dewey’s leadership and tactical watchstanders will have the opportunity to meet with counterparts from Sasebo-based amphibious ships to discuss operations that fall under the Up-Gunned Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) concept and upcoming Wasp ESG Indo-Pacific patrol. Dewey, and with embarked HSM 35, departed San Diego Feb. 6 and has been operating under Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON 11), the Navy’s forward-deployed amphibious squadron, since arriving…

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USS Bonhomme Richard conducts readiness for sea assessment

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USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) departed Sasebo, Japan, Jan. 23, to conduct its second day of a readiness for sea Assessment following the completion of a four-month in port maintenance period. The assessment, which requires a day of at-sea operations, takes place in advance of a regularly scheduled patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. The Naval Surface Forces-led assessment evaluates the crew’s proficiency in propulsion and navigation, as well as equipment essential to operating at sea, in order to certify the ship as ready for deployment. “The…

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Texas Visits Sasebo During Indo-Asia-Pacific Deployment

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USS Texas (SSN 775), arrived at Fleet Activities Sasebo, Jan. 17 for a visit as part of its deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. The visit strengthens positive alliance between the U.S. and Japan through the crew’s interaction with Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces. It also demonstrates the U.S. Navy’s commitment to regional stability and maritime security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. With a crew of approximately 150, Texas will conduct a multitude of missions and maintain proficiencies of the latest capabilities in the submarine fleet. Measuring 377 feet…

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