YOKOSUKA, Japan -- The U.S. Navy will join allied and partner navies from Japan, Australia, the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Singapore in the multinational Pacific Reach (PACREACH) 2013 exercise Sept. 20-27.
PACREACH 2013 is a multinational exercise for submarine rescue training that involves bottoming a submarine and conducting closed-hatch rescue with multiple countries' rescue assets.
Hosted by the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) and JMSDF will all be providing submarines while the JMSDF and ROKN will be providing submarine rescue ships. The U.S. and Singapore will both be providing naval personnel to participate in various events throughout the exercise.
PACREACH 2013 is an exercise designed to improve submarine rescue techniques and to enhance relations with each of the participating nations. Conducting these exercises fosters more than safety and interoperability; it also promotes greater understanding and commitment to stability and peace through enhanced regional cooperation.
