The Yama Sakura color guard, comprised of the ADF, JGSDF, and US Army, marches during the opening ceremony at Camp Asaka, Japan, on December 6, 2024. (DVIDS)
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s three-day official visit to Japan last week underscored the enduring strength of the US-Japan Alliance and the growing significance of trilateral cooperation with Australia.
His visit coincided with Yama Sakura 87, a historic trilateral command post exercise involving the US Army, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The exercise, which concluded on December 14, served as a cornerstone of military readiness, interoperability, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Highlights of Secretary Austin’s Visit
At Camp Asaka on December 11, Secretary Austin met with service members from the three Allied and partner nations, recognizing their dedication and sacrifice for maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
His engagements emphasized the value of human commitment over technological platforms, showcasing the critical role of personnel in achieving mission success.
“This is how we ought to be operating,” said Austin. “It’s really good to see. We have the right people. It’s all about the people. It’s not about the platforms necessarily alone. It’s about the people who are committed to going above and beyond the call of duty.”
Austin also witnessed the groundbreaking integration of Australia’s ADF into Yama Sakura, a testament to the growing trilateral defense relationship.
His visit included discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, reinforcing bilateral and multilateral security commitments.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s three-day official visit to Japan last week underscored the enduring strength of the US-Japan Alliance and the growing significance of trilateral cooperation with Australia.
His visit coincided with Yama Sakura 87, a historic trilateral command post exercise involving the US Army, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The exercise, which concluded on December 14, served as a cornerstone of military readiness, interoperability, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Highlights of Secretary Austin’s Visit
At Camp Asaka on December 11, Secretary Austin met with service members from the three Allied and partner nations, recognizing their dedication and sacrifice for maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
His engagements emphasized the value of human commitment over technological platforms, showcasing the critical role of personnel in achieving mission success.
“This is how we ought to be operating,” said Austin. “It’s really good to see. We have the right people. It’s all about the people. It’s not about the platforms necessarily alone. It’s about the people who are committed to going above and beyond the call of duty.”
Austin also witnessed the groundbreaking integration of Australia’s ADF into Yama Sakura, a testament to the growing trilateral defense relationship.
His visit included discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, reinforcing bilateral and multilateral security commitments.
Austin further demonstrated his support for the broader Indo-Pacific strategy by visiting American service members at Yokohama North Dock and Sailors aboard the USS George Washington (CVN-73).
US Defense Secretary Austin speaks to a trilateral group of service members during a visit to the Ground Component Command headquarters at Camp Asaka, Japan, on December 11, 2024. (US Army)
The Legacy and Importance of Yama Sakura
Yama Sakura, established in 1982, is an annual command post exercise designed to enhance joint operational capabilities and reinforce alliances among participating nations.
Over its 40-year history, Yama Sakura has grown into a premier event, focusing on Multi-Domain and Cross-Domain Operations to address modern security challenges.
The exercise represents the US and Japan’s unwavering commitment to the US-Japan security treaty and regional peace.
This year, Yama Sakura 87 marked several milestones.
It was the first time the US Army’s Warfighter command post exercise was held in Japan and conducted concurrently with Yama Sakura.
The integration of Warfighter 25-02, led by America’s First Corps from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, added unprecedented scope and complexity, making it the largest Yama Sakura in history.
Over 7,000 service members participated across three nations, six locations, and 17 time zones, reflecting the scale and ambition of this year’s iteration.
Details of Yama Sakura 87
The 10-day exercise aimed to strengthen human, procedural, and technical interoperability among the US, Japan, and Australia.
It featured realistic scenarios and cutting-edge technology to prepare for potential crises in the Indo-Pacific region.
Observers from the Philippines, India, Singapore, France, the UK, and Canada also attended, signaling the exercise’s growing influence in promoting regional security.
Yama Sakura 87 celebrated the longevity of trilateral collaboration and the relationships forged through decades of shared commitment.
A trilateral statement issued during the closing ceremony on December 14 highlighted this legacy:
“Yama Sakura’s greatest achievement is its longevity, a legacy of growth and relationships forged over 40 years between our countries. We look forward to all the exercises to come rekindling these friendships and applying the lessons learned together. Yama Sakura, One Team!”
The exercise concluded with a recognition ceremony at Camp Asaka, where commanders from each nation presented coins of excellence to service members.
The ceremony emphasized mutual respect and the importance of collective security, capped by a gift exchange between the Allied and partner nations.
The Role of Trilateral Collaboration
Yama Sakura 87 exemplifies the growing importance of trilateral collaboration in the Indo-Pacific.
Australia’s ADF played an integral role, reflecting its deepening defense ties with the US and Japan.
The exercise showcased the ability of these three nations to operate cohesively in complex environments, bolstering their readiness to address evolving threats in the region.
Yama Sakura 87: Closing Ceremony (US Army)
Looking Ahead
As Secretary Austin expressed during his visit, the strength of alliances lies not only in advanced platforms but also in the people who bring them to life.
Yama Sakura 87’s unprecedented scale and success underline the continued commitment of the US, Japan, and Australia to regional stability and peace.
The lessons learned and relationships strengthened during this exercise will serve as a foundation for future collaboration, ensuring these nations remain prepared for any challenges that lie ahead. By integrating cutting-edge technology, realistic scenarios, and joint operational strategies, Yama Sakura continues to evolve as a pillar of Indo-Pacific security.
Its legacy—built over four decades—is a testament to the enduring power of alliances in shaping a safer, more stable world.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
COMMENTS
There are
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.