Japan-US co-operation in the Pacific

For two days, the Japanese landing ship Shimokita to train with US units. In the Philippine Sea, the 8900-tonne displacement ship of the Osumi-class to the Americans to practise various manoeuvres and procedures on a binational level. For example, on the first day with the lead ship, the USS AmericaCross-deck transfers with the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft and tactical manoeuvres were carried out. A hovercraft (LCAC) from the USS New Orleans successfully drove into the well deck of the Shimokita In return, the Japanese LCAC made a detour to the USS Germantown. At the end of the day, the Photex was not to be missed.
The three participating US amphibious ships America, New Orleans and Germantown belong to Amphibious Squadron 11 (Phibron 11) and are not an unfamiliar sight in the western Pacific. As part of the US 7th Fleet, they are stationed in Sasebo, Japan.
With a length of 178 metres and a width of almost 26 metres, the Japanese Shimokita an impressive armoured landing ship. Up to ten heavy battle tanks and two LCACs can be accommodated on board, and around 330 soldiers can be embarked. Two Phalanx systems and small-calibre weapons are available on board for self-defence. The ship, built by Mitsui, has been at the disposal of the Japanese Self-Defence Forces since 2002.

Osprey landing on the Shimokita

LCAC drives the Shimokita

Text: mb; Photos: US Navy