SOUTH CHINA SEA – The Carl Vinson Strike Group began a bilateral exercise with the Japan Maritime
Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), March 11, during a regularly scheduled deployment in the Western Pacific.
Aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) are conducting
combined operations with Japanese destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182) to enhance maritime interoperability
between longstanding allies.
“Strong maritime partnerships maintain security, stability and prosperity, which the Indo-Pacific region
has enjoyed for more than 70 years,” said Rear Adm. John Fuller, the strike group commander.
“Collaborating with a close maritime partner promotes regional cooperation.”
As part of the exercise, four JMSDF liaison officers have embarked Carl Vinson to support combined
operations. The operations will include formation steaming as well as anti-submarine and air-defense
training. Ise will also conduct a replenishment-at-sea with Carl Vinson.
The 646-foot Japanese destroyer displaces 18,000 tons and sails with three Y (60 K/J) helicopters. The
ship’s primary missions include anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasure, logistics, and search
and rescue.
The Carl Vinson Strike Group also includes Carrier Air Wing 2 and a compliment of more than 70
aircraft, Destroyer Squadron 1 and guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112).
Michael Murphy conducted a passing exercise with the French frigate FNS Vendémiaire while
operating in the Western Pacific and South China Sea in January and February. Sailors practiced
communication and shiphandling techniques.
The strike group completed a historic port visit to Vietnam, March 9, which marked the first time an
aircraft carrier visited in more than 40 years.