TOKYO (NNS) - A new course to educate and train staff level naval officers
from various countries to formulate a plan to conduct Humanitarian
Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations kicked off June 20 at the
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Command and Staff College.
25 students from eight navies showed up for the first day of the two-week
course called the Asia-Pacific Navy Planning Process International Course
(APNIC). "This is the largest gathering of international officers put
together," said Professor Jim Murray from the U.S Naval War College.
APNIC, which is facilitated by representatives from the U.S. Naval War
College and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Command and Staff
College, also aims to strengthen ties among the like-minded navies in the
region.
The president of the JMSDF Command and Staff College, Rear Adm. Umio Otsuka,
welcomed student officers to the course.
"I am very proud, as a Japanese naval officer, of being able to demonstrate
the robust Japan-U.S. alliance on this occasion in launching together with
the U.S. Navy a new event to promoting multilateral regional cooperation
amongst friendly navies."
Otsuka stressed that "trust is the key for successful military operations."
The course includes lectures, discussions and practical sessions on
hypothetical disaster relief operations caused by natural disasters.
Professors emphasized student officers will need to develop teamwork and
work together to be successful in the course.
Representatives from both U.S. Naval College and JMSDF Command and Naval
College say that they would like to see more countries in the Asia-Pacific
region participate in the APNIC next year.
For more news from U.S. 7th Fleet, please visit
http://www.c7f.navy.mil/.