South China Sea Bears Trilateral Naval Training

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) joined the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in the South China Sea for multinational training. The training was designed to address common maritime security priorities and concerns, enhance interoperability and communication, and develop mutually-beneficial relationships, as well as promote navigational freedom in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The operations were designed to increase collective ability to maintain maritime security and readiness and respond to any regional contingency amongst allies. Professional engagement and cooperation with allies and partners is the foundation of regional stability, which fosters peace and prosperity for all nations.

“Through more practical training, we enhance our tactical skills and cooperation between the JMSDF, the U.S., the Australian Navy and the Australian Air Forces,” said Cmdr. WAKUSHIMA Hidetaka, commanding officer of JS Yuudachi, “and we promote cooperative relationship of Japan-U.S.-Australia naval and air forces in order to realize a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

The U.S., Japan and Australia have a long-standing interest in promoting global security, stability, and economic prosperity through trade, investment, and connectivity. Trilateral training in the South China Sea with joint and partner nations develops and exercises tactical interoperability and promotes synchronization. Participants included Momsen, JMSDF Murasame-class destroyer JS Yuudachi (DD 103), RAN Anzac-class frigate HMAS Arunta (FFH 151), and a U.S. Navy P-8 from Patrol Squadron (VP) 26.

Momsen is attached to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, conducting operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Under U.S. Pacific Fleet, 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo Pacific region.