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U.S. Navy aircraft on the flight deck of the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) during KEEN SWORD.
Photo by PH1 Ted Banks, USN |
U.S. Military Sealift Command ships – USNS Rappahanock (T-AO 204), USNS Concord (T-AFS 5), and USNS Assertive (T-AGOS 9) – provided support during the exercise. Maritime patrol aircraft from Task Force 72, also participated.
All U.S. naval forces involved in the exercise were under the command of the Commander, Battle Force Seventh Fleet, embarked aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63).
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A U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornet lands on the flight deck of the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) during keen sword.
Photo by PH1 Ted Banks, USN |
"Because it’s an integrated exercise and we’ll be using a common communication structure and a common command structure, we’ll be working closely with the Japanese forces and exchanging liaison officers to help solve communication problems," said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Matt Welsh, before beginning the exercise. "It’s a sustained operational force going up against us, which gives us a true opportunity to practice our warfare capabilities at all levels."
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A JMSDF SH-60J Seahawk helicopter approaches the flight deck of the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63).
Photo by PH1 Ted Banks, USN |
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Exercise KEEN SWORD Conclusions
The close contact between JSO and USFJ ensured the successful planning and execution of KEEN SWORD 2003. Improved performance of each service’s joint mission essential tasks serves to renew confidence that the U.S.-Japan alliance is fully functional and supportable during a regional crisis. This alliance remains the cornerstone of the defense of Japan and of U.S. security strategy in East Asia.
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The close cooperation between Japanese and U.S. forces ensured successful execution of KEEN SWORD. Here, USFJ Commander Lt. Gen. Thomas Waskow greets JGSDF Colonel Mutsuo Watanabe, Commander of the 41st Infantry Regiment, during a visit to the JGSDF Command Post in the Hijudai training area.
Photo by SSgt. Jeremy T. Lock, USAF |
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