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]