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USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea: The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (RRCSG) took part in a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) in the Philippine Sea March 16-18.
JMSDF ships participating in the PASSEX were the JS Myoko (DDG 175), JS Hamagiri (DD 155), JS Yuugiri (DD 153) and JS Haruna (DDH 141). In addition to USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), U.S. Navy ships participating in the exercise were USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), USS Russell (DDG 59) and USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60).
Additionally, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7; Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7; and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 participated in the exercise.
The goal of the exercise was for the RRCSG to work with their counterparts from the JMSDF in areas of mutual interest. Exercises included drills in communications, precision maneuvering, air defense and surface warfare tactics.
Ronald Reagan also conducted a fueling at sea with each of the four ships from the JMSDF, as well as a photo exercise and a pass in review.
