US, Australia, and Japan Unite for Dynamic Naval Exercise

In a significant display of international maritime cooperation, the U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) joined forces with the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac-class frigate HMAS Stuart (FFH 153) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Murasame-class destroyer JS Ariake (DD 109) for a series of joint exercises.

“Our relationships with Australia and Japan are a cornerstone of security in the Indo-Pacific,” stated Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet. “Seamless coordination with the JMSDF and RAN serves as an effective deterrent against aggression in the region and promotes our shared commitment to preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The multinational fleet engaged in a variety of complex training operations. These included formation sailing, combined communications, and replenishments at sea. Such exercises enhance tactical interoperability and create opportunity for palpable teamwork among the partner nations.

“Interoperability and interchangeability among JMSDF, USN, and RAN are our strength,” expressed JMSDF Rear Adm. YOKOTA Kazushi, commander of Escort Flotilla 3. “Not only in this multilateral exercise, but also in exercises like KAKADU 2024, we are working together for a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The exercise also encompassed anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare operations, electronic warfare drills, and subject matter expert exchanges. These drills emphasize the navies’ capabilities to tackle diverse security threats in the region.

“Strong international relationships are the foundation for Australia’s response to shared regional security challenges,” said Commodore Jonathan Ley, Australia’s Joint Force Maritime Component Commander. “Every opportunity to cooperate with partners at sea is highly valued by Australian ships deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific region.”

The U.S. Navy continuously operates alongside allies in the Indo-Pacific region, underpinning a shared commitment to the rules-based international order. Multilateral exercises such as this provide invaluable experiences for fortifying tactical coordination among allied navies.

The USS Dewey is forward-deployed, assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 (DESRON 15), the U.S. Navy’s largest and principal surface force of the U.S. 7th Fleet. U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.