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The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) helicopter destroyer JDS Ise (DDH 182), foreground, and the JMSDF destroyer Akizuki (DD 115) participate in a photo exercise with the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) for exercise Keen Sword. Exercise Keen Sword is a bilateral field training exercise held biennially since 1986. The exercise is designed to increase the interoperability of U.S. Forces and the JSDF to effectively and mutually provide for the defense of Japan, or respond to a regional crisis or contingency situation in the Asia-Pacific region. Germantown is part of the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (#PELARG14), commanded by Capt. Heidi Agle, and is conducting joint forces exercises in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
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Hmm. No wonder the Chinese are freaking out about this helicopter carrier. Its much larger than I thought and looks to be approaching the size of our LHD's. Evolutionary development would indicate that the Japanese are just a few years away from finally getting a real deal, 100% aircraft carrier...if their economy doesn't implode first that is!
