US, Japanese Submarine Forces Strengthen Ties

Rear Adm. William R. Merz, commander, Submarine Group 7, and Vice Adm. Masakazu Kaji, commander, Fleet Submarine Force of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) visited Naval Base Guam April 26-28.

Merz and Kaji toured Naval Base Guam, the JMSDF submarine JS Hakuryu (SS 503), and observed the Hakuryu team conduct a brief mission in the Submarine Multi-Mission Team Trainer (SMMTT) during the visit.

SMMTT enables submarine crews to rehearse tactical missions in environmental and tactical conditions that realistically simulate those found while deployed. It provides shore-based training for submarine combat control and sonar systems.

Kaji and Merz also met with Rear Adm. Babette Bolivar, commander, Joint Region Marianas, during an office call visit.

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Image: US Navy