Article Posted on : - Jun 29, 2010

A file photo of USS George Washington

WASHINGTON (BNS): US and Japanese naval forces have successfully completed the Undersea Warfare Exercise (USWEX) in the western Pacific Ocean.

The American nuclear-powered super carrier, USS George Washington (CVN 73) participated in the exercise held from June 21 to 25.

The exercise was conducted by elements from Commander, Battle Force 7th Fleet (CTF 70), Commander, Patrol & Reconnaissance Force, 7th Fleet (CTF 72), Commander, Submarine Force, 7th Fleet (CTF 74), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and components from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

"This year during USWEX we continued to strengthen interoperability between the US Navy and the JMSDF and trained against tactics, techniques and procedures to develop new concepts in anti-submarine warfare (ASW)," Lt. Justin Santos, a surface operations officer for DESRON 15, said in a US Navy news release.

The exercise was focused on the training and coordination of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) efforts between the maritime partners.

During the exercise, USS George Washington and JMSDF Sailors were tasked for locating, tracking and completing simulated engagements with allied submarines in their vicinity.

“Working with the JMSDF has provided unique opportunities for all involved to learn from one another, furthering the US-Japan relationship, and show how they can further their joint operational efforts,” he added.

This year, US-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation has marked its 50th anniversary.