U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jomark A. Almazan ()
SASEBO, Japan (Dec.6, 2022) – Sailors from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ship, JS Ise (DDH-182), visited the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier, USS America (LHA 6) for an in-port tour and lunch, Dec. 6. The tour is part of a series of holiday camaraderie events between USS America and her JMSDF sister ship. “As we prepare for the holidays, it’s a pleasure to be able to take this time with our JMSDF partners,” said Capt. Shockey Snyder, America’s commanding officer. “Events like this allow us to know each other on a personal level, and build upon the foundation of mutual trust and respect with each other. This foundation will allow us to integrate seamlessly together in future bi-lateral operations.” While aboard, Ise Sailors visited the ship’s hangar bay, flight deck, bridge, flight deck control, and primary flight control tower. Following the tour, America and Ise Sailors met at Nimitz Park in downtown Sasebo for a game of kickball. This tour comes one week after America Sailors visited the Ise. The holiday events culminated with a kadomatsu presentation, a traditional Japanese New Year decoration placed at the entrance of homes and is believed to welcome the Shinto deity who brings happiness and good fortune on New Year's Day, aboard USS America, Dec. 23. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Photo caption:
Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force sailors, assigned to the JS Ise (DDH 182), play kickball together in Sasebo, Japan, Dec. 6, 2022. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
