Aircrews from the “Saberhawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77, the “Warlords” of HSM 51, and the Japan Maritime Self-Protection Drive (JMSDF) “Mighty 59” of Air Growth Squadron (VX) 51 carried out anti-submarine warfare (ASW) torpedo coaching in Tokyo Bay, March 8-10. Previous to this occasion, each torpedo train carried out by a forward-deployed squadron was carried out in San Diego. The good thing about this explicit ASW train is that the forward-deployed squadron was in a position to apply inside the area they function in, whereas additionally strengthening bilateral capabilities between U.S. Navy and JMSDF. This coaching was the primary time the U.S. Navy launched an inert coaching torpedo with JMSDF into Japanese waters, which was subsequently recovered by JMSDF Utility Touchdown Ship JS Yusotei 2-go (LCU 2002).
“This is step one in an effort that began with the institution of the primary FDNF squadron, ‘The Warlords’, again in 1991,” stated Cmdr. Nicholas Cunningham, HSM-77’s commanding officer. “This train demonstrates the U.S. Navy’s and JMSDF’s continued partnership and dedication to defending the waterways of a free and open Indo-Pacific. The ‘Saberhawks’ are extremely grateful for all the multi-agency help we acquired from Naval Munitions Command, Commander Fleet Actions Yokosuka, Commander Service Strike Group 5, and Commander U.S. seventh Fleet. CFAY and NAFA have taken a serious step ahead in supporting native ASW coaching alternatives between the U.S. Navy and JMSDF.”
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The train concerned a inert torpedo being launched from an MH-60R Seahawk connected to HSM-77. The torpedo was recovered by a small boat workforce from the JMSDF Utility Touchdown Ship JS LCU 2002. An SH-60K assigned to VX-51 supplied air help for the small boat workforce. HSM-77 and HSM-51 are forward-deployed to Naval Air Facility Atsugi and embark aboard a number of ships within the seventh Fleet space of operations. VX-51 is a squadron within the Fleet Air Drive of the JMSDF based mostly in Atsugi, Japan. This occasion builds on the primary of its type bilateral Anti-Submarine Warfare monitoring train that HSM-51 and VX-51 flew collectively in October.
U.S. seventh Fleet workouts operational management of its items via designated Job Forces or Job Teams. These teams are organized alongside area and purposeful strains. CTF 70 is theater strike warfare commander and theater air and missile protection commander. CTF 70 is forward-deployed to the U.S. seventh Fleet space of operations in help of a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. seventh Fleet is the biggest forward-deployed fleet on the planet, and with the assistance of and community of alliances and companions from 35 different maritime nations, the U.S. Navy has operated within the Indo-Pacific area for greater than 70 years; offering credible, prepared forces to assist protect peace and forestall battle.
