Say they share a vision of an open Indo-Pacific

On April 3-4, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) held a trilateral maritime exercise. This exercise included the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). [i]

Eight ships participated in the exercise:

• USS Nimitz (CVN 68), an aircraft carrier
• USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), both guided missile destroyers of the Arleigh Burke-class
• JS Umigiri (DD 158) of the JMSDF
• ROKS Yul Gok Yi (DDH 992)
• ROKS Dae Jo Young (DDH 977)
• ROKS Choi Young (DDH 981)
• ROKS So Yang (AOE 51) [i]

NIMCSG had already conducted bilateral exercises with both the JMSDF and ROKN separately during its current deployment before this exercise. [ii]

The joint operations included anti-submarine exercises, search and rescue exercises, and staff embarkations. “The U.S., Japan, and Korea are three maritime nations who share a vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific by working together to develop mutual trust, partnership, and capability,” said Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney, commander of Carrier Strike Group 11. “Participation in exercises like these are a tangible symbol of a shared goal in ensuring regional stability and economic well-being for all nations.” [ii]

The U.S. Navy regularly conducts exercises like this to strengthen ties among allied countries. The exercises foster shared interoperability and support a free and open Indo-Pacific. This year is the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-Republic of Korea Mutual Defense Treaty of 1953. In addition, this marks over 70 years of partnership between the United States and Japan, starting with the 1951 Security Treaty. [iii]

DDG 992 and DDH 981 are decorated to celebrate the 4th of July during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. Photo by LAC Amanda McErlich/U.S. Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

NIMCSG is composed of the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) aircraft carrier, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), DESRON 9, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108). [iii]

Nimitz’s embarked air wing includes the following squadrons:

• “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22
• “Mighty Shrikes” of VFA-94
• “Kestrels” of VFA-137
• “Blue Diamonds” of VFA-146
• “Sun Kings” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116
• “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139
• “Battlecats” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73
• “Screamin’ Indians” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6
• “Providers” of Fleet Logistic Support Squadron (VRC) 30. [iv]

NIMCSG is currently in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. The 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered Fleet and routinely cooperates and operates with allies and partners to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region. [iv]

The Republic of Korea Navy destroyers steaming in formation with the USS Nimitz. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Lagadi

References

[i] Commander United States Pacific Fleet Courtesy, USS Nimitz (CVN 68), NIMCSG, JMSDF, ROKN Conduct Trilateral Maritime Exercise (Apr. 4, 2023)

[ii] Id.

[iii] Id.

[iv] Id.