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Naval Base Guam hosts US/Japan ships for Multi-Sail 2017
A bird’s-eye view of Apra Harbor, U.S. Naval Base Guam. (Contributed Photo)
SANTA RITA, Guam—Seven naval surface combatants assigned to the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) arrived in-port to Apra Harbor, U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG), March 1 and 2 prior to the start of the bilateral exercise, Multi-Sail 2017 (MS-17), led by Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15.
“Naval Base Guam is a conduit for maritime power,” said Capt. Hans Sholley, commanding officer of NBG. “Apra Harbor is a major contributor to our ability to sustain the fleet in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. We are excited for another opportunity to host these ships and demonstrate our ability to support our Navy’s forward deployed operations here in Guam.”
The ship composition included four forward deployed U.S. Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, one Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, and two JMSDF destroyers.
MS-17 aims to enhance interoperability between the U.S. and Japanese forces. The U.S. and JMSDF will conduct combined operations in the waters off Guam, exercising a wide range of capabilities and demonstrating the inherent flexibility of the combined forces.
The lessons learned from exercises like MS-17 will assist the U.S. and Japan in continuing to develop regional capabilities that provide a full range of options to succeed in defense of their interests and those of their allies and partners around the world, as well as ensure stability and security throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific.
