The US Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) have successfully completed the one week-long Koa Kai training exercise in Hawaiian waters, US.

During the training, the navies conducted various missions including search and seizure (VBSS) drills, tactical training, anti-submarine warfare and live-fire ammunition drills.

The JMSDF helicopter destroyer JS Kurama (DDH 144) participated in the exercise alongside two US Navy destroyers, one frigate and a Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship.

The exercise also included integrated flight operations, and anti-surface and anti-submarine training as well as dynamic ship manoeuvres.

The Koa Kai exercise aims to prepare and test ship readiness to deploy and respond quickly to support maritime strategy.