Japan, Australia Deepen Defense Relationship

 

The growing Defense relationship between Japan and Australia was given a boost this week when Royal Australian Navy (RAN) submarine HMAS Rankin conducted a port visit to Kobe, Japan from May 6-10,  2016.  Highlighting Australia’s commitment to our long term relationship with Japan, Rankin will participate in a bilateral exercise with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

 

The bilateral training exercise will enable the participating vessels to conduct maritime skills such as maneuvering and communications while enhancing interoperability at sea. Over the past few years, the RAN and JMSDF have conducted a number of national visits and participated in Exercises NICHI GOU TRIDENT, DISTANT SHORES and KAKADU. Most recently, JS Shirase visited Sydney in March 2016. 

 

Before returning to Australia, Rankin is scheduled to participate in Exercise PACIFIC REACH 16, a triennial submarine rescue exercise.