Benjamin Hammer News

The USS Harry S. Truman and ships from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) moored in Norfolk on August 2, completing the at-sea phase of a training exercise. The bilateral exercise, which culminated with a passing exercise, was designed to provide a realistic training environment for U.S. Navy and the JMSDF Training Squadron ships. Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 worked closely with the JMSDF Training Squadron, which trains the newly-commissioned Japanese surface warfare officers, to replicate the operational challenges routinely encountered around the world. According to Navy Counselor 1st Class (SW/EXW) Benjamin Hammer, the exercise made a contribution to the team-building efforts of the maritime partners.