US and Japan conclude Exercise Keen Sword 2013

The US Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) have concluded joint-bilateral exercise Keen Sword 2013, to enhance coordination procedures and interoperability between the nations in the event of a crisis in the Asia-Pacific region.

During the 12th biennial exercise, the Company E as well as the US Marine Corps (USMC) with Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, personnel conducted marksmanship training and an amphibious landing operation.

III Marine Expeditionary Force3rd Marine Division Combat Assault Battalion the operations chief with Assault Amphibious Vehicle Company Master Sergeant Frank Edling said, "Overall, I feel that the operations went smooth and showed how units from different countries, with different languages, can work together in a combined effort to accomplish any task."

The Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) Company provided a lift capability to the infantry and to conduct an amphibious assault mission during the drill.

Edling said that the two nations have demonstrated their capability to jointly work as an integrated force in readiness.

"During the final day of the exercise, our Marines showed they are very capable of landing the surface assault element and their equipment in a single lift from a naval vessel to inland objectives," Edling added.

The drill involved USMC, US Navy assets including the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered supercarrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and 47,000 members of both militaries.

During the exercise, personnel will conduct maritime and base security operations, integrated air and missile defence, search and rescue, close air support, live-fire training, and maritime defence and interdiction.

In addition to enhancing tactics, maritime defence capability and communication, Keen Sword 2013 aims to establish personal and professional relationships between the forces.