U.S., Japan, Australia Conduct Trilateral Naval Training in South China Sea

17 March 2022

From Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lily Gebauer, CTF 71 Public Affairs

SOUTH CHINA SEA - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) joined the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in the South China Sea for multinational training which concluded March 15.

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The training was designed to address common maritime security priorities and concerns, enhance interoperability and communication, and develop mutually-beneficial relationships, as well as promote navigational freedom in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 15, 2022) The guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92), Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Arunta (FFH 151), and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Murasame-class guided missile destroyer JS Yuudachi (DD 103) transit the South China Sea during a trilateral training event. Momsen is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy's largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet's principal fighting force, and is underway supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 3rd Class Regnor Vondedenroth)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 15, 2022) The guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92), the Royal Australian Navy Meko-class frigate HMAS Arunta (FFH 151), and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force guided-missile destroyer JS Yuudachi (DD 103) transit the South China Sea while a P-8A Poseidon flies by during a trilateral training event. Momsen is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy's largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet's principal fighting force, and is underway supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Justin Sherman)

The operations were designed to increase collective ability to maintain maritime security and readiness and respond to any regional contingency amongst allies. Professional engagement and cooperation with allies and partners is the foundation of regional stability, which fosters peace and prosperity for all nations.

"Momsen is proud to be a part of this event,” said Cmdr. Erik Roberts, the commanding officer of Momsen. “The U.S. Navy is committed to strengthening interoperability with like-minded regional partners to ensure sustained security and stability of the seas within the Indo-Pacific region. This trilateral training reaffirms the strong bonds between our navies and underscores the importance of alliances and partnerships. We will continue to work to maximize our combined readiness; diligently training, performing well, incorporating lessons learned, and – above all – supporting one another."

The U.S., Japan and Australia have a long-standing interest in promoting global security, stability, and economic prosperity through trade, investment, and connectivity. Trilateral training in the South China Sea with joint and partner nations develops and exercises tactical interoperability and promotes synchronization.

“Through more practical training, we enhance our tactical skills and cooperation between the JMSDF, the U.S., the Australian Navy and the Australian Air Forces,” said Cmdr. WAKUSHIMA Hidetaka, commanding officer of JS Yuudachi, “and we promote cooperative relationship of Japan-U.S.-Australia naval and air forces in order to realize a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

Participants included Momsen, JMSDF Murasame-class destroyer JS Yuudachi (DD 103), RAN Anzac-class frigate HMAS Arunta (FFH 151), and a U.S. Navy P-8 from Patrol Squadron (VP) 26.

Momsen is attached to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, conducting operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Under U.S. Pacific Fleet, 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo Pacific region.

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