U.S. Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Far East (NCTS FE) Detachment Sasebo and the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Sasebo District headquarters combined resources to implement a first ever bi-lateral joint venture that provides enhanced mission assurance, extended synthetic training capabilities and enabled cost savings across the board for U.S. and Japan afloat assets.

The telecommunications expansion to Tategami Finger piers, located in the JMSDF controlled area on Sasebo harbor, enhanced the training capability between U.S and Government of Japan (GOJ) forces, forging stronger ties between the close allies.

NCTS FE Detachment Sasebo provided the vision for this effort which began to take shape in November 2014.

Designs were drawn, supplies were acquired and concurrence from Capt. Katherine A. Mayer, the commanding officer of NCTS FE, Capt. Junichi Kaneko, JMSDF and key U.S Forces Japan, GOJ, and U.S. Pacific Command stakeholders was received to install new fiber optic infrastructure and termination equipment on GOJ controlled pier infrastructure.

"This was a true team effort between the JMSDF and US Forces in Sasebo from inception to implementation," said Lt. Jason W. Sabater, officer in charge of NCTS FE Detachment Sasebo. "When the opportunity to develop, design, and implement a project that bolsters joint training and readiness, extends capabilities, and helps foster bonds when a close ally knocked, we were happy to answer."

The installation of a 12 strand single-mode fiber optic backbone that will provide the bridge between the Navy Continuous Training Environment network is slated for completion this month.

Thirty-five personnel, from the NCTS FE workforce consisting of active duty Sailors, United States Civil Service and Japanese Master Labor Contract workers will provide manpower for this project.

The installation of the new fiber backbone expands through multiple man holes and will encompass over 1,000 feet of fiber optic cable and 3 in-line splice points.

"The task of providing critical services such as steam, electrical, water and telecommunications while simultaneously installing the new fiber optics in reclaimed land, represents a herculean task and requires attention to detail and vigilant risk assessment and management," said Sabater.

The newly laid fiber backbone provides operational relevance, mission training enhancement and supports future training modernization efforts between JMSDF and the U.S.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/FCCC10F/.