The US-led annual multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training exercise Sea Dragon 22 has commenced in Guam in the Western Pacific.
The six Indo-Pacific nations taking part in the exercise include Australia, Canada, India, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, the Republic of Korea and the US.
US detachment OIC Patrol Squadrons (VP) 47 lieutenant commander Braz Kennedy said: “As [officer-in-charge] OIC, I am eager for the opportunity to further develop our partnerships with Australia, Canada, India, Japan, and Korea while at Sea Dragon 2022.
“The continued growth and increasing complexity of this exercise affords an opportunity to practice ASW tactics, techniques, and procedures with allies and partners that we don’t often get a chance to work with.”
The exercise, which mainly focuses on honing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training, aims to enhance interoperability among the participating forces and response to regional contingencies.
It will include more than 270 hours of in-flight training and classroom sessions for pilots and flight officers.
The scope of the programme will include tracking simulated targets, as well as finding a US Navy submarine, developing plans and tactics involving the countries’ respective capabilities and equipment.
JMSDF Air Patrol Squadron 3 Flight Division 31 commanding officer commander Michiyama Tomoyuki said: In addition, through training, exchange of opinions, and various type of exchanges, we expect to strengthen cooperation and deepen mutual understanding among the participating navies and air forces.”
