02 June 2017

News Story: Japan helicopter destroyer conducts joint drill with U.S. carriers in Sea of Japan

Hyūga-class helicopter destroyer (File Photo)
TOKYO, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Japan's helicopter destroyer Hyuga conducted joint exercises with the strike groups of USS Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan in or over the Sea of Japan on Thursday, said the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces (MSDF).

The drill also involved the MSDF destroyer Ashigara and two F-15 fighter jets of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF), according to the MSDF.

The purpose of the joint training was to "enhance the tactical combat skills of the Japan SDF and its cooperation with the U.S. Navy," said the MSDF.

The MSDF said that joint drill involving the two F-15 fighter jets would last through Friday, and the two MSDF vessels would continue with the exercise through Saturday.

Read the full story at Xinhua