Antietam Builds Relationship with JASDF

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel James Lewis, USS Antietam Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- Members of the Japan Air Self Defense Force and U.S. Air Force 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron visited the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) Nov. 9, for a tour of the ship and to conduct training.

28 JASDF staff members and 20 U.S. Air Force personnel arrived aboard to see what life is like on a naval warship and to better understand its day-to-day operations. The tour allowed the members to visit various areas, such as the ship's flight deck, bridge, medical and dental facilities.

"It was great to have this opportunity and training so that we can better understand each other," said Col. Kunihiko Yuze, the JASDF chief of staff for the Southwestern Composite Air Division."

Antietam continues to be a part of the U.S. Navy's goal to strengthen relations with Japan's Self-Defense Forces as well as its local community.

"I think it was very exciting for our visitors," said Lt. Cmdr. Axel Steiner, Antietam's executive officer. "It also shows how much the U.S.-Japan relations have evolved over the past few years."

Antietam is on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asian-Pacific region.