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News from around the Fleet

America Conducts Port Visit in Osaka in Preparation for Exercise Iron Fist

20 February 2023

From Lt.j.g. Beau Nickerson, USS America (LHA 6)

OSAKA, Japan – The forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier, USS America (LHA 6) with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Osaka, Japan in preparation for Exercise Iron Fist, Feb. 20.
The forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), transits the port of Osaka for the first time Feb. 20, 2023. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, alongside the 31st MEU, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
OSAKA, Japan (Feb. 20, 2023) The forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), transits the port of Osaka for the first time Feb. 20, 2023. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, alongside the 31st MEU, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Bakerian)
The forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), transits the port of Osaka for the first time Feb. 20, 2023. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, alongside the 31st MEU, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
230220-N-FI026-1043
OSAKA, Japan (Feb. 20, 2023) The forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), transits the port of Osaka for the first time Feb. 20, 2023. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, alongside the 31st MEU, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Bakerian)
Photo By: Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew
VIRIN: 230220-N-FI026-1043


Iron Fist is an annual exercise designed to enhance the U.S. Navy’s, U.S. Marines’, and Japanese self-defense forces’ ability to plan, communicate, and conduct combined amphibious operations.

This 17th iteration of the exercise will occur for the first time at various locations in Japan and at sea – allowing for the integration of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

“Our ability to train, integrate, and operate with our friends, partners, and Allies is one of our greatest strengths, and we are committed to strengthening the relationship with our Japanese Self-Defense Force counterparts,” said America’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Shockey Snyder. “We are excited to explore the city and immerse ourselves in the rich culture of the city.”

Sailors and Marines aboard America had the opportunity to experience the culture with Morale, Welfare, and Recreation sightseeing tours and community relations events.
Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Jonathan Reeves, right, from Plano, Texas, and Interior Communications Technician 3rd Class Kyle Smith, from Rockwell, Texas, both assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), stand watch as America transits the port of Osaka, Feb. 20, 2023. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, alongside the 31st MEU, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
OSAKA, Japan (Feb. 20, 2023) Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Jonathan Reeves, right, from Plano, Texas, and Interior Communications Technician 3rd Class Kyle Smith, from Rockwell, Texas, both assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), stand watch as America transits the port of Osaka, Feb. 20, 2023. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, alongside the 31st MEU, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Bakerian)
Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Jonathan Reeves, right, from Plano, Texas, and Interior Communications Technician 3rd Class Kyle Smith, from Rockwell, Texas, both assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), stand watch as America transits the port of Osaka, Feb. 20, 2023. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, alongside the 31st MEU, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
230220-N-FI026-1024
OSAKA, Japan (Feb. 20, 2023) Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Jonathan Reeves, right, from Plano, Texas, and Interior Communications Technician 3rd Class Kyle Smith, from Rockwell, Texas, both assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), stand watch as America transits the port of Osaka, Feb. 20, 2023. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, alongside the 31st MEU, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Bakerian)
Photo By: Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew
VIRIN: 230220-N-FI026-1024


While in Osaka, America hosted US Embassy Tokyo, Deputy Chief of Mission, Ray Greene for an in-port tour and leadership engagement.

Sailors and Marines of the America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), comprised of amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are underway conducting routine integrated operations in U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”
 

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