USS America conducts integrated operations + Japanese F-35s

[spazsinbad]

USS America conducts integrated operations with Japanese F-35s
23 Oct 2020 USS America Public Affairs

"PACIFIC OCEAN - The first-in-class amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) participated in advanced combined operations with Japan this week in the western Pacific Ocean. America conducted integrated air defense operations on Oct. 20 with F-35A Lightning II aircraft from the Japan Air Defense Command. The advanced training operations were designed to increase the tactical proficiency, lethality and interoperability of the amphibious forces of the America Expeditionary Strike Group and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) in the maritime domain....

...“These are the most advanced capabilities to ever sail or fly. America is a fifth-generation amphibious assault platform, built from the keel up to optimize the most advanced capability of the fifth-generation F-35 platform. We are forward-deployed to integrate exactly these advanced capabilities with Japan, recognizing the importance of our alliance and working together to maintain regional peace and stability,” said [Capt. Luke Frost, America’s commanding officer] Frost.

“The training proved to be a very significant opportunity for us,” said Col. Shinichi Nomura, flight group commander, 3rd Wing, Japan Air Self-Defense Force. “Training with assets of other services is essential to improve interoperability and joint operations capability.”..."

Photo: "Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35 Lightning II aircraft fly over USS America (LHA 6), Oct. 20. (U.S. Navy/MCSN Matthew Cavenaile)" https://www.flickr.com/photos/compacflt/50520713182/

Source: https://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/130755