U.S. Naval Oceanography hosted a delegation from the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Oceanography and Antisubmarine Warfare Support Command (OAC) for a comprehensive two-day tour of its global-reaching, environmental-information capabilities, Sept. 12-13, 2022.

The visit demonstrates a continued commitment to the USN-JMSDF relationship and provides JMSDF a chance to become more familiar with Naval Oceanography’s capabilities, organizational structure, and missions such as unmanned underwater vehicles. Our mission and interests have significant overlap, and both organizations benefit from the strong cooperation between USN and JMSDF.

“Alliances are fundamental to our collective security and a critical component of our national security strategy,” said Rear Adm. Ron J. Piret, Commander, Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (CNMOC). “The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force is a critical partner in our nations’ ability to deter aggression.”

The delegation toured Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, Naval Oceanographic Office, Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Command, Naval Oceanography Operations Command, and Naval Information Warfare Training Group, meeting with senior Naval Oceanography leadership.

International partnerships across the Indo-Pacific, like the one between the USN and JMSDF, help to maintain peace and security in the region to that all nations can continue to grow and flourish.

RADM Hiroyuki Habuchi (Sr. Member of Delegation – Commander, Oceanography ASW Support); CDR Nanami Doi (Staff Oceanographer, N31, Oceanography ASW Support Command); CAPT Yoshimitsu Hara (Commander Anti-Submarine Warfare Center ) Mr. Hidehiro Masuda (Chief Analyst, Research and Education Division, Anti-Submarine Warfare Center); and CAPT Sano “Hiro” Hiroyuki (Naval Attaché to the United States and Canada)—comprised the visiting Japanese delegation to Naval Oceanography.

The US and Japan remain committed to working together to ensure peace and security throughout the Indo-Pacific region.  This visit to Naval Oceanography provided an opportunity for both countries to meet face to face, increase interoperability, and focus joint efforts in the maritime regions of the Pacific and Indian Ocean.

U.S. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command directs and oversees more than 2,500 globally-distributed military and civilian personnel who collect, process and exploit environmental information to assist Fleet and Joint Commanders in all warfare areas to make better decisions, based on assured environmental information, faster than the adversary.