Japan, US Bolster Submarine Alliance

Commanders from the U.S. and Japanese Navies visited Naval Base Guam, touring the base and examining areas of cooperation, the U.S. Navy reported.

The United States’ Rear Adm. William R. Merz, commander, Submarine Group 7, and Japan’s Vice Adm. Masakazu Kaji, commander, Fleet Submarine Force of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) visited the base April 26-28. The commanders also met with Rear Adm. Babette Bolivar, commander, Joint Region Marianas, during an office call visit.

During the visit, Merz and Kaji toured Naval Base Guam, the JMSDF submarine JS Hakuryu (SS 503), and observed the Hakuryu team conduct a brief mission in the Submarine Multi-Mission Team Trainer (SMMTT) which enables submarine crews to rehearse tactical missions in environmental and tactical conditions that realistically simulate those found while deployed. It provides shore-based training for submarine combat control and sonar systems.

"This was a great opportunity for us to visit a deployed Japanese submarine moored at a U.S. base," said Merz. "Events like this help Adm. Kaji and me realize the importance of our alliance and how we can work together to ensure peace and stability in this part of the world."