The Benewah-class barracks craft Nueces (APL 40) departs from Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), December 13, 2023. (Image source: DVIDS)
In a calculated maneuver to beef up naval readiness in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Japan have joined forces to greenlight maintenance and repairs of US warships at private Japanese shipyards.
This tag-team effort aims to tighten operational screws, slash maintenance downtime, and fortify the US-Japan Alliance.
US Ambassador Rahm Emanuel spilled the beans on the Ship Repair Council Japan, a joint effort involving the US Navy, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force, and private companies from both sides.
Their game plan? Cook up a strategy to keep US Navy ships sailing smoothly by tapping into Japanese shipyards.
According to Emanuel, this move is key to keeping the US Navy shipshape in the region, beefing up deterrence, and cementing the US-Japan Alliance.
“China watches what ships are coming in and out. It is not like this is a secret, they know what’s happening. So therefore, they take an evaluation of your deterrence,” said Emanuel, quoted by Reuters.
Boosting Naval Readiness
This decision to let Japanese shipyards handle full-on maintenance of US warships marks a shift from the norm of just tinkering around at US bases in Japan and shipping out for major overhauls back home.
By hitching a ride on Japanese dry docks, the US Navy aims to make the most of resources, clear out the maintenance backlog, and stay ready for any scrapes.
In a calculated maneuver to beef up naval readiness in the Asia-Pacific, the US and Japan have joined forces to greenlight maintenance and repairs of US warships at private Japanese shipyards.
This tag-team effort aims to tighten operational screws, slash maintenance downtime, and fortify the US-Japan Alliance.
US Ambassador Rahm Emanuel spilled the beans on the Ship Repair Council Japan, a joint effort involving the US Navy, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force, and private companies from both sides.
Their game plan? Cook up a strategy to keep US Navy ships sailing smoothly by tapping into Japanese shipyards.
According to Emanuel, this move is key to keeping the US Navy shipshape in the region, beefing up deterrence, and cementing the US-Japan Alliance.
“China watches what ships are coming in and out. It is not like this is a secret, they know what’s happening. So therefore, they take an evaluation of your deterrence,” said Emanuel, quoted by Reuters.
Boosting Naval Readiness
This decision to let Japanese shipyards handle full-on maintenance of US warships marks a shift from the norm of just tinkering around at US bases in Japan and shipping out for major overhauls back home.
By hitching a ride on Japanese dry docks, the US Navy aims to make the most of resources, clear out the maintenance backlog, and stay ready for any scrapes.
To keep pace with changes and challenges in the region, America needs to be bold enough and fast enough. Today, we launched a new Ship Repair Council Japan to link our defense industries and take advantage of Japanese ship expertise. Keeping @USNavy ships in theater and in… pic.twitter.com/aCYRXognma
This move is crucial, especially with Japan hosting the only forward-deployed carrier strike group of the US Seventh Fleet, packing up to 70 warships.
Taking the Heat off US Shipyards
Sending US warships to Japanese dry docks isn’t just about convenience; it’s a pressure valve for US shipyards drowning in maintenance backlogs that stretch up to 4,000 days.
By farming out maintenance chores to Japanese yards, US shipyards can focus on churning out new warships at warp speed.
“Keeping US Navy ships in theater and in service strengthens the US-Japan Alliance and our joint deterrence,” Ambassador Emanuel added.
It’s a smart shuffle of resources to help the US beef up its naval muscle, especially with China flexing its maritime muscles.
Strategic Moves in the Indo-Pacific
Ambassador Emanuel’s not shy about spelling out the big picture here, especially with China’s maritime ambitions looming large.
By tapping into Japanese dry docks, the US aims to up its ante in Asian waters, sending a clear message to potential troublemakers.
.@PacificMarines with @31stMeu conduct a helicopter rope suspension techniques sustainment exercise, strengthening proficiency in insert and extract capabilities of the premier crisis response force in the #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.
He’s flagging China’s eagle eyes scanning every ripple in the regional waters, highlighting the need to keep a strong and visible deterrent front and center.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries: The Heavy Hitter
In this naval dance, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries takes center stage, thanks to its shipbuilding and maintenance chops.
The company, known for cranking out warships and subs for Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, runs commercial dockyards in Yokohama, where they’ve already lent a hand with US Navy ship upkeep.
Their involvement underscores Japan’s commitment to locking arms with the US to bolster defense ties and beef up regional security.
In a Nutshell
Letting Japanese shipyards handle the wrenching and tweaking of US warships is a smart play that syncs up the interests of both the US and Japan.
By hitching a ride on Japan’s maritime expertise and infrastructure, the US aims to rev up naval readiness, grease the wheels of maintenance, and stand tall in the Indo-Pacific region.
As the geopolitical tides keep shifting, this partnership underlines the power of teamwork and collective muscle to keep the peace and steady the ship in the Asia-Pacific.
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