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.

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. PASSEX offers unique training scenarios that otherwise wouldn't be possible such as communication drills or maneuvering exercises.

"The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force is one of the most professional navies in the world," said Capt. Paul Hogue, commodore of DESRON 23. "They had ships out here doing training, so this gives us the unique opportunity to gain more operational experience with their navy."

PASSEX also provides the ability to practice communication skills between two or more fleets. Communication between commands allows proper actions to be taken during exercises.

"The ability to get together and take time out to get operational experience is very important," said Hogue. "It's all about communicating. Communication is one of the most important aspects of what we do."

Hogue said an exercise or crisis may come up in the future that involves the U.S. Navy working with our allied nations. This is the first time this particular Japanese squadron has worked with Washington.

"This PASSEX is a perfect example for our newly-commissioned officers on board to understand how solid the relationship is between Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the U.S. Navy," said Lt. Akihiro Takahashi, Public Affairs Officer, Japan Training Squadron.

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.


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