"Since there are only eight U.S. submarines capable of attaching a DSRV, and their operations could place them days away from a potential rescue location, the U.S. might request the assistance of another country," said Capt. Dale Nees, Commander, U.S. Submarine Development Squadron FIVE, the U.S. Navy commander for the exercise. "Therefore international exercises such as PACIFIC REACH 2002 allow us to demonstrate interoperability while enhancing regional coordination."

PACIFIC REACH 2002 broke new ground in the realm of submarine rescue and international cooperation. This was the first time the JMSDF has hosted a multinational exercise, the first time Australia took part, the first time the U.S. DSRV participated, and the first time these nations focused on the medical aspects of a submarine rescue.

For participating nations, the exercise was also a way to foster relationships among the countries. "Not only do we improve our submarine rescue capability, we build mutual trust among the participating navies," said the JMSDF exercise National Coordinator, Capt. Masao Kabayashi, Commander, JMSDF Submarine Flotilla Two.

The Singapore National Coordinator, Lt. Col. Cyril Lee Chen Chee, noted the exercise "promotes friendships. This helps to engage the nations in the region and produces an avenue to interact with each other."

"U.S. Navy personnel gathering here to deepen our relationship of mutual trust will contribute to the peace and stability of the region and the prosperity of each nation," said Vice Adm. Nakao