Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet

JS Mochishio Arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
By MC2 (SW/AW/SCW) Ronald Gutridge
COMSUBPAC Public Affairs

Release Date: 10/31/2011

(PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii) – Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) submarine, JS Mochishio (SS 600) arrived at Naval Station Pearl Harbor to begin their annual training exercises with the U.S. Navy submarine forces Oct. 31.

Mochishio is here as part of an ongoing strategy of theater engagement, training and building partnerships. USS La Jolla (SSN 701) of Commander Submarine Squadron One (COMSUBRON One) will be the host submarine to the Mochishio during their stay.

"Submarine Squadron One is happy to welcome JS Mochishio to Pearl Harbor and we look forward to their stay here for the next couple months," said Capt. Stanley Robertson, COMSUBRON One. "As a valued partner in the Pacific, these visits are important to develop friendships, mutual understanding and to ensure our readiness to face future contingencies.

Commissioned in March 2008 and based out of Kure, Japan, the Oyashio-class submarine will be conducting both in-port and at-sea training on undersea tactics, anti-submarine warfare and war time strategies. Continued joint training operations are essential aspects of maintaining strong relationships and enhancing interoperability with allies in the Pacific. Cmdr. Ume Hara, Mochishio commanding officer, emphasized the benefits of working and training together.

"This visit is very important to the submarine forces and the main purpose is to train hard together with the U.S. Navy and learn from each other, "said Hara, "The outcome of all the hard work of both navies will make the Japan-U.S. relationship stronger."

USS La Jolla's commanding officer, Cmdr. Jeff Bernard stated that he and his crew are ready and eager to work with the JMSDF.

"The officers and crew of USS La Jolla are very excited and proud to be selected to participate as the host submarine, said Bernard. "We are looking forward to working with the Mochishio.

The upcoming exercises are designed to enhance the tactical proficiency of warfare capabilities in a variety of sea operations and strengthen their knowledge in joint training operations.