US, Japan complete Fleet Synthetic Training exercise

SOUTH CHINA SEA (BNS): The Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF), Commander, US 7th Fleet (C7F) and various other commands throughout Japan, the Pacific and continental United States has completed the Fleet Synthetic Training (FST) exercise in the first week of March.

The navy has also completed the four day Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) exercise, which is conducted annually by the US Pacific Fleet to enhance the joint, bilateral and interagency training in BMD against threats to regional and homeland installations and units, according to US Navy release.

"This fleet synthetic training event provides a great opportunity to exercise with our JMSDF allies and US joint forces in Hawaii and Japan in a fast-paced, realistic environment," Capt. Matthew E. Loughlin, commanding officer, USS Shiloh (CG 67) and commander, Ballistic Missile Defense Warfare for 7th Fleet, said.

US 7th Fleet (C7F) command flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) has served as the central hub in the exercise, for the computer-based simulated training, networking with ships at sea and pier side.

Loughlin also noted the important role Japanese partners in the training exercise played, particularly the integration of Japanese destroyer JS Chokai (DDG 176) to the Fleet Synthetic Training scenario network.