A new threshold of bilateral fleet synthetic training was reached as more than 1,000 feet of underground fiber optic cables were installed, connecting the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) piers at Commander Fleet Activities (CFA) Sasebo, Japan.

JMSDF and CFA Sasebo officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Tategami Pier, Jan. 27, for the completion of the fiber optic cable extension.

More than a year of planning went into this operation with the support of several commands. Navy Warfare Development Command (NWDC), based in Norfolk, joined forces with Tactical Training Group Pacific (TTGP), Det. Yokosuka and Naval Engineering Facilities Command to implement the use of NWDC's Navy Continuous Training Environment (NCTE) at Japanese piers in Sasebo.

The NCTE enables ships at Navy bases around the world to be pierside while training in a constructive simulation state as if they are underway. Various training scenarios can be executed allowing the ship to engage in a more cost-effective preparation for maritime operations. As a result of the connection in Sasebo, JMSDF ships can more easily train with U.S. counterparts.

"JMSDF ships have been able to participate in joint training events with the U.S. for many years," said NCTE Technical Director Gary Brown. "However, due to technology and infrastructure limitations, this participation at the pier has been difficult, cumbersome, and expensive, reducing the opportunities for bilateral training events.

"In 2009, NWDC, in partnership with Tactical Training Group Pacific and TTGP-Detachment Yokosuka, delivered a technical capability for Japanese ships to participate from U.S. piers in collaboration with Program Executive Office -- Integrated Warfare System 4.0 and the Center for Surface Combat Systems. In addition, due to the increasing importance of joint and bilateral training in support of United States Pacific Command, the Japanese requested the ability to train from their piers in Sasebo."

The implementation of the NCTE network in Sasebo is expected to be an important step forward for training with Japan, paving the way for more frequent JMSDF participation in fleet synthetic training events.

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