The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23 and ships from the Japanese Training Squadron (JTS) conducted Passing Exercise (PASSEX) Sept. 22.
This is the first time this particular Japanese squadron has worked with Washington.
During the PASSEX, DESRON 23 and JTS conducted multiple flight operations together. After the flight operations, DESRON 23 assumed tactical control of the exercise and called the JTS ships into a “flying V” formation.
Washington is deployed as part of Southern Seas 2015 which seeks to enhance interoperability, increase regional stability and build and maintain relationships with countries throughout the region through joint, multinational and interagency exchanges and cooperation.
PASSEX is an exercise conducted while two or more commands are in the same area of operation. The exercise is intended to strengthen crew’s knowledge in handling various situations.
Image: US Navy