PV22 is an opportunity for all five navies to strengthen their skills in maritime operations, anti-submarine warfare operations, air warfare operations, live-fire missile events, and replenishment at sea. The JMSDF hosted this year’s exercise.
Representing the JMSDF were the helicopter destroyer JS Izumo (DDH 183), the destroyer JS Takanami (DD 110), Kawasaki P-1 and UP-3D maritime patrol aircraft, SH-60K Seahawk helicopters, and a submarine.
Representing the US Navy was the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52), as well as the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T- AKE 3), members of the US Marine Corps’ 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, and various aircraft, including aircraft support from Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 and Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 209.
“It has been an honor to sail here with our allies and partners in the Pacific,” said Cmdr. Grant Bryan, Barry’s commanding officer. “I am tremendously proud of my Sailors’ sense of belonging and dedication to each and every mission they are assigned. We operate in a wide spectrum of operations with allies and partners in the Pacific and we know how to get the job done.”
Representing Australia were the RAN’s Hobart-class destroyer HMAS Sydney (DDG 42), HMAS Perth (FFH 157), HMAS Supply (A195) and various RAN aircraft.
Representing Canada was the RCN Halifax-class frigate HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331).
From the ROK Navy, participating forces included the ROKS destroyer Munmu the Great (DDH 976) and the ROKS destroyer Sejong the Great (DDG 991).
PV22 is designed to deliver training that emphasizes integrated maritime maneuvering and training in task groups in a challenging exercise environment. It enables the US and its allies to be equipped and ready to respond to crises and contingencies in a changing Indo-Pacific.
“This year’s multilateral exercise, Pacific Vanguard, provided great opportunities to work together and train with our partners and allies,” said Capt. Walter Mainor, commander of Task Force (CTF) 71. “By working together, we enhance our proficiency combined at sea, strengthen our relations with each other and demonstrate our commitment to preserving regional peace, security and stability.”
CTF 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 is the largest forward-deployed DESRON in the Navy and the primary surface force in the US 7th Fleet.
The US 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of US national interests in the Indo-Pacific area of operations. As the largest numbered fleet in the US Navy, the 7th Fleet engages with 35 other maritime nations to build partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability and prevent conflict.
