PHILIPPINE SEA –
The Ronald Reagan Strike Group participated in an Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) Logistics Exchange with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) on Oct. 31, during Keen Sword 19.
Units that participated in the event included the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), the “Saberhawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 and the JMSDF ship JS Huyuga (DDH-181).
The Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) is a bilateral agreement for the exchange of logistics support, supplies and services during exercises, training or emergency situations. ACSA provides legal authority allowing the U.S. to buy, sell, give and loan support to other countries.
“Exercises like Keen Sword 19 and specific events, such as the ACSA logistics exchange, enables the continued bilateral partnerships and a united resolve that facilitates both security and cooperation in the 7th Fleet area of operations,” said Capt. Jerry Brown, the commander Task Force 70 assistant chief of staff for logistics and readiness.
During the ACSA Logistics Exchange, an MH-60R Seahawk assigned to HSM-77 delivered repair parts from Ronald Reagan to Huyuga, and a JMSDF helicopter delivered repair parts and food from Huyuga to Curtis Wilbur showing the interoperability and partnership of the two maritime forces.
Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Ryan Quinn, a Sailor who has worked in the 7th Fleet area of operations for the past three years and the aircrewman who delivered the package to Huyuga, said the interaction between the two maritime forces was very friendly, receptive and well-coordinated.
“Every time I’ve worked with the JMSDF it has increased our ability to work together cohesively during training evolutions like today and prepared us to operate in the event of an actual crisis,” Quinn said.
Keen Sword 19 is the latest in a series of joint/bilateral field training exercises since 1986 designed to increase combat readiness and interoperability of U.S. forces and the JSDF. Two Royal Canadian Navy ships will participate in the maritime portion of the exercise for the first time.
The Ronald Reagan Strike Group is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Editor's note: The original story can be viewed on the Commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet website.