The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) said via Twitter that on February 19, the supply ship Hamana, the destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur and the French Navy corvette Makizuki The frigate “Makizuki” conducted joint training in the waters west of Kyushu. The Japanese side said that through various exercises, the Maritime Self-Defense Force seeks to strengthen mutual understanding with participating countries and improve the tactical skills of the Maritime Self-Defense Force.
The U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet issued a statement on the same day, “February 19, the U.S. Navy ‘Arleigh Burke’ class guided missile destroyer ‘USS Curtis Wilbur’ (DDG 54) and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force ten Wada-class supply ship ‘Hamana’ (AOE-424) and the French Hanazuki-class corvette ‘Makizuki’ together for a trilateral replenishment at sea (RAS). This replenishment at sea allowed French, Japanese and U.S. sailors to complete a maritime exercise that highlighted their respective naval capabilities.”
“We integrate, train and plan with our allies whenever the opportunity arises,” said Lt. Cmdr. Diane Cua, commander of the destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur. Being able to conduct replenishment at sea with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, as well as the French Navy, is a great opportunity and shows the unity of effort in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.”
The destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur and the corvette USS Makizuki came alongside the supply ship USS Hamana to receive refueling and replenishment. “Commander Masato Ikeda, commanding officer of the supply ship Hamana, said, “I am encouraged by the high level of ship handling skills of the U.S. Navy and the French Navy, as we are all working together at sea on the same mission. Even during the New crown outbreak, making full use of the navy’s unique flexibility and mobility to take all countermeasures, we conducted trilateral exercises and were able to deepen our cooperation with the U.S. Navy and the French Navy.”
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