YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) – Carrier Strike Group Five (CSG 5) and its flagship USS Ronald
Reagan (CVN 76) returned to Yokosuka, Japan Nov. 21 following a three month patrol of the
Indo-Asia-Pacific Region.
While on patrol, CSG 5 was comprised of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Carrier Air Wing Five
(CVW 5), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and USS
Shiloh (CG-67), Destroyer Squadron Fifteen (DESRON 15), the Arleigh Burke-class guided-
missile destroyers USS Barry (DDG 54), USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) and USS McCampbell
(DDG 85). While USS McCampbell continues its patrol, the remainder of the strike group has
returned to Yokosuka and Atsugi.
The strike group visited two countries, participated in three major military exercises, and hosted
distinguished visitors from several countries while patrolling the Western Pacific.
Among the patrol’s highlights, Carrier Strike Group 5 completed its annual strike group
certification along with participating in the biennial exercise Valiant Shield 2016 (VS16), from
Sept. 12 - 23. The exercise is a U.S. only, field training exercise (FTX) with a focus on joint
training among U.S. forces to conduct a range of missions in the air, sea, land, and cyberspace.
CSG 5 also participated in the biannual exercise Invincible Spirit 2016, Oct. 11-14. Invincible
Spirit is a bilateral exercise conducted with the Republic of Korea Navy, in the waters
surrounding the Korean Peninsula, and consisting of routine carrier strike group operations in
support of maritime counter-special operating forces and integrated maritime operations.
The strike group and the Japan Self-Defense Forces went on to complete the biennial exercise
Keen Sword 17 (KS17), Nov. 11. Directed by the commander of U.S. Forces Japan and the Chief
of Staff of the Japan Joint Staff, KS17 is the latest in a series of joint and bilateral field training
exercises since 1986 involving U.S. military and Japanese Self Defense Force (JSDF) personnel
designed to increase combat readiness and interoperability of the Japan-U.S. alliance.
Exercises such as Invincible Spirit and Keen Sword provide critical field training environments
for enhancing mutual understanding of each country’s tactics, communication protocols,
procedures, and general interoperability.
CSG 5 is forward-deployed in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
For more information on Commander, Task Force 70 visit www.navy.mil/local/CTF70/