From October 2 to 13, 2023, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) participated in the multilateral exercise “Exercise SAMASAMA 2023” hosted by the United States Navy (USN) and the Philippine Navy (PN) to strengthen cooperation and to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” with like-minded countries.
ONE FOR ALL, ALL FOR ONE: Japan joins Philippines, US, UK and Canada in the 12 days maritime exercise to amplify the call for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” which has been gaining a lot of supporters from like minded people.
Japan deployed JS AKEBONO to join counterpart units from the navies of the U.S., Philippines, Canada, and the U.K.
The SAMASAMA 2023 was held in the vicinity of Manila and Legazpi cities and was divided into two phases, namely, the Harbor Phase and the Sea Phase.
During the Harbor Phase which was held on October 2 to 7, participants engaged in subject-matter expertise exchanges spanning several topics such as maritime domain awareness, international law, and medical practices. While the Sea Phase, which was held on from October 8-13 involved the practical aspects of the exercise such as search and rescue exercise and replenishment at sea, among others.
This is the fourth time that the JMSDF has participated in this multilateral exercise since 2019. Through this exercise, the JMSDF seeks to improve its tactical capabilities and enhance mutual understanding and strengthen relationship of trust with participating navies.
