Japanese Sailors Welcomed Aboard USS Nitze for PASSEX

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jesse Monford

USS NITZE, At Sea (NNS) -- The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) conducted a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) from July 29 to Aug. 2, which tested communication capabilities and offered a chance for a professional exchange in the Atlantic Ocean.

The PASSEX was conducted to aid communication between three U.S. ships and three Japanese ships while giving them realistic situations they may encounter while working together in the future. The exercise also provided a valuable opportunity for Sailors to learn about life and work on the other country's ships, as Japanese officers and enlisted sailors from aboard the Japanese ship Asagiri (TV-3516) embarked Nitze during the exercise.

"It's my first time being aboard a foreign ship," said Hiroshi Nakajima, a Radar Technician attached to the Asagiri. "The people are friendly, the food is different here. My ship is old. The Nitze is high-tech."

Many Japanese sailors said that the lifestyle aboard a United States ship differs greatly from that of their own. For example, operations aboard a typical Japanese ship's bridge differs from the bridge of USS Nitze. Nakajima said that the manning and protocols were instructional to observe.

"I think that this is a great opportunity for us to learn from them and from them to learn from us." said Master Chief Michael J. Mahoney, command master chief of USS Nitze. "It is well worth it to share experiences with other forces and our allies.

Nitze's crew is pleased that they were given the opportunity to step up and do the exercise, said Mahoney.

The series of exercises that were conducted covered maneuvering, communication, and other types of general training. Two other U.S. Navy ships, guided-missile frigate USS Taylor (FFG 50) and guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), participated in the exercises as well.

All three of the Japanese ships will pull in port in downtown Norfolk, where the JMSDF sailors will have an opportunity to explore the city and crews from both nations can continue their work to build a stronger relationship.