PHILIPPINE SEA –The Ronald Reagan Strike Group participated in an Acquisition and Cross
Servicing Agreement (ACSA) Logistics Exchange with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
(JMSDF) on Oct. 31, during Keen Sword 19.
Units that participated in the event included the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76),
the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), the
“Saberhawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 and the JMSDF ship JS
Huyuga (DDH-181).
The Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) is a bilateral agreement for the
exchange of logistics support, supplies and services during exercises, training or emergency
situations. ACSA provides legal authority allowing the U.S. to buy, sell, give and loan support to
other countries.
“Exercises like Keen Sword 19 and specific events, such as the ACSA logistics exchange,
enables the continued bilateral partnerships and a united resolve that facilitates both security and
cooperation in the 7th Fleet area of operations,” said Capt. Jerry Brown, the commander Task
Force 70 assistant chief of staff for logistics and readiness.
During the ACSA Logistics Exchange, an MH-60R Seahawk assigned to HSM-77 delivered
repair parts from Ronald Reagan to Huyuga, and a JMSDF helicopter delivered repair parts and
food from Huyuga to Curtis Wilbur showing the interoperability and partnership of the two
maritime forces.
Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Ryan Quinn, a Sailor who has worked in the 7th Fleet
area of operations for the past three years and the aircrewman who delivered the package to
Huyuga, said the interaction between the two maritime forces was very friendly, receptive and
well-coordinated.
“Every time I’ve worked with the JMSDF it has increased our ability to work together
cohesively during training evolutions like today and prepared us to operate in the event of an
actual crisis,” Quinn said.
Keen Sword 19 is the latest in a series of joint/bilateral field training exercises since 1986
designed to increase combat readiness and interoperability of U.S. forces and the JSDF. Two
Royal Canadian Navy ships will participate in the maritime portion of the exercise for the first
time.
The Ronald Reagan Strike Group is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in
support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.