U.S. Marines and Japan’s ARDB Strengthen Alliance Through Collaborative Training at Camp Hansen

OKINAWA, Japan (July 24, 2024) – Combat Logistics Battalion 31 (CLB-31) of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit recently hosted representatives from Japan’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force at Camp Hansen, Okinawa. The visit, which took place on July 11 and 12, aimed to enhance collaboration and interoperability between the two military units.

The event included demonstrations of a convoy simulator, helicopter support team procedures, and an in-depth exploration of CLB-31’s intermediate maintenance capabilities. Maj. Joseph Grimison, an operations officer with CLB-31, highlighted the importance of such exchanges, stating, “Visits like this benefit both sides by fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual learning. They provide an opportunity to exchange best practices, improve interoperability, and build trust and camaraderie between the units. These interactions ultimately contribute to a stronger, more cohesive alliance capable of addressing shared security challenges.”

The visit allowed both sides to develop a deeper understanding of each other’s capabilities, which is crucial for coordinated efforts, reducing redundancy, and enhancing overall operational effectiveness. The ARDB shared their expertise in engineering techniques, innovative solutions, and practical experiences, while also discussing similarities and differences in equipment capabilities.

The outcomes of the bilateral discussions will contribute to operational planning for upcoming U.S.-Japan bilateral exercises, logistical coordination, and engineering support. The longstanding alliance between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force is strengthened by several bilateral military exercises and operations.