<!--/* //NOSONAR */-->
<!--/* //NOSONAR */--><html  lang="en-US">
<head id="Head"><meta id="MetaDescription" name="DESCRIPTION" /><meta id="MetaKeywords" name="KEYWORDS" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width,initial-scale=1" /><title>
	U.S., Japan and Australia Conduct Trilateral Exercise in Bay of Bengal
</title><link id="css3605" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/DesktopModules/ArticleCS/module.css" /><link id="css4870" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/desktopmodules/ArticleCS/styles/Joint/style.css" /></head>
<body>
    <main>
    <div>
    <div class="aprint news">
    <div class="header">
        <img height="100" class="print-logo" alt="Site Logo" src="/Portals/55/INDOPACOM2018_100x100.png?ver=J6xEsvouw9aaqHcHjhoIIQ%3d%3d" />

        <h1 class="title">U.S., Japan and Australia Conduct Trilateral Exercise in Bay of Bengal</h1>
    </div>
    
<div id="adetail-slick-gallery" class="gallery">
    
    <div class="item">
        
        <div class="image">
            
            <img src="https://media.defense.gov/2024/Feb/19/2003397100/1920/1080/0/231117-N-FK754-870.JPG"
                 class="aimage img-responsive"
                 alt="BAY OF BENGAL (Feb. 17, 2024) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97), sails with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Takanami-class destroyer JS Sazanami (DD 113) and Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Warramunga (FFH 152) during trilateral operations in the Bay of Bengal, Feb. 17-18. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ismael Martinez)"
                 itemprop="image" />
        </div>
        
        
        
        
        
        <div class="slide-info-hidden">
            <div class="slide-info-inner">
                
                <div class="image-title">U.S., Japan and Australia Conduct Trilateral Exercise in Bay of Bengal</div>
                <div class="image-caption">231117-N-FK754-870 BAY OF BENGAL (Feb. 17, 2024) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97), sails with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Takanami-class destroyer JS Sazanami (DD 113) and Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Warramunga (FFH 152) during trilateral operations in the Bay of Bengal, Feb. 17-18. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ismael Martinez)</div>
            </div>
        </div>
    </div>

    
</div>
<div class="slide-info"></div>





    <div><b>By U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs</b> <span class="date">/ Published Feb. 20, 2024</span></div>
    <span class="dateline-text">BAY OF BENGAL, </span>
    <p><span style="font-size:larger;">The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) conducted a trilateral exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) to strengthen interoperability and readiness between the three nations, in the Bay of Bengal, Feb. 17-18.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:larger;">The exercise included the Takanami-class destroyer JS Sazanami (DD 113) of the JMSDF, the Anzac-class frigate HMAS Warramunga (FFH 152) of the RAN, and USS Halsey.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:larger;">Throughout this exercise, participants conducted trilateral operations designed to enhance interoperability through maneuver, communications, and information sharing. The exercise increased the collective ability of the three nations to maintain maritime security and readiness to respond to any regional contingency.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:larger;">“It’s a privilege to sail alongside our allies and partners from Australia and Japan,” said Capt. Justin Harts, commander of Task Force (CTF) 71. “Fortifying our interoperability is paramount for CTF 71 and amplifies our mission of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.”</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:larger;">The last time the three nations conducted a naval exercise as a trilateral force was on Feb. 15<sup>th</sup>, in the South China Sea.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:larger;">Australia and Japan have both forged long-standing alliances with the U.S., built on shared interests, promoting global security, stability, and economic prosperity.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:larger;">Halsey is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:larger;">U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.</span></p>
<br />
</div>
    </div>
    </main>
</body>
</html>