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Home : Media : News : News Article View

# USS Lassen Increases Interoperability with Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force

By Lt. j.g. Lauren Chatmas, USS Lassen Public Affairs

                March 3, 2015  –              
KURE, Japan – Arleigh-burke class guided missile destroyer USS Lassen(DDG 82) visited Kure to strengthen their close ties with the Japan MaritimeSelf-Defense Force (JMSDF) and collaborate on tactical doctrine and warfightingconcepts, Feb. 26-28.
During the visit, Lassen and JMSDF JS Ise (DDH 182) hosted warfighter exchangediscussions and Lassen hosted a reception on board which included seniorleadership from U.S. and Japanese navies.
Capt. Shan Byrne, commodore of Destroyer Squadron 15 stressed theimportance of the U.S.-Japan bilateral alliance, expressed the crew’sexcitement of the port visit and thanked the Japanese hosts for their warmhospitality. 
In addition to the military-to-military training, Sailors from Lassenhad the opportunity to see a different part of Japan and enjoy the culture.
“I never expected our interactions with the Japanese Navy to be so warmand brotherly, and to experience the splendor of this area,” said Lt. j.g.Robert Righetti, Lassen’s first lieutenant. “I cannot wait to do something likethis again in the future.”
Lassen is one of seven Arleigh-burke class guided-missile destroyersassigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and is permanently forward-deployed toYokosuka supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacificregion.  
Kure is located south-west in Hiroshima prefecture. Established in 1954as part of the JMSDF, Kure Naval District is one of five regional commands ofthe JMSDF, responsible for Japan's Southern and Southeastern coast.  Along with several submarine and surfacevessels, Kure is home to supply, ammunition and fuel depots as well as beinglocated alongside extensive ship repair and refit yards supporting bothassigned and rotating JMSDF assets.**                    SHARE                **                    PRINT                InteroperabilityNews ArticleUSPACOM