U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) left Kagoshima, Japan, June 20, following in-port and at-sea engagements with Japan Coast Guard (JCG), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Japanese government officials.
The event marks a significant milestone as the first time the trilateral search and rescue exercise with the Philippine Coast Guard, occurred in a region outside the Philippine territorial seas, emphasizing the growing cooperation among the three nations.
While in-port, Stratton leadership met with the Japan Coast Guard commander of the 10th Regional Headquarters, chief of Kagoshima Coast Guard Office, mayor of Kagoshima City, and governor of Kagoshima Prefecture.
Stratton crewmembers attended facility tours of Nanatsujima Japan Coast Guard Base, hosted reciprocal cutter tours for PCG and JCG members, and participated in dinner receptions hosted by the participating countries.
Following the in-port engagements, Stratton, JCG vessel Asanagi, and PCG vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua conducted a trilateral search-and-rescue exercise (SAREX) in Kagoshima Bay.
The SAREX focused on maximizing the capabilities of each vessel to enhance interoperability, strengthen the relationships among the three Coast Guards, and promote joint operational readiness.
