Coronado hosts Japanese amphibious training

2/10/2011 By Cpl. Elyssa Quesada , 11th MEU

NAVAL AMPHIBIOUS BASE CORONADO, Calif.

Marines with the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific and soldiers with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, Western Army Infantry Regiment brave the waves during combat rubber raiding craft training here Feb. 10.

The Marines and soldiers are participating in Exercise Iron Fist, a bilateral training exercise designed to strengthen the bond between U.S. and Japanese militaries.

"It's important to allow the Japanese to see how we conduct our training and prepare for future operations," said Capt. Timothy J. Storey, assistant officer-in-charge of the CRRC course. "I hope they can take this type of training back to Japan and enhance their own operations."

Throughout the day, scout swimmer soldiers braved chilly waters practicing buddy rushes toward the sandy shore in order to secure the beach, while the ranger platoon, with the WAIR, performed CRRC drills.

Clothed in wet suits, the men loaded their boats and launched into the surf, before dropping the engine and cutting through the choppy waves. After several successful runs, the soldiers exchanged the engines for paddles to get them through the frothy Coronado whitewash.

"They'll be able to implement current tactics, techniques and procedures so they can have a more productive expeditionary force," Storey said.

Training with the Marines on a larger scale and bigger waves has been very helpful and a lot of fun, according to Master Sgt. Ueda Ryuichi, a scout swimmer squad leader with the JGSDF, WAIR.

"The Japanese soldiers were very professional," said Col. Michael R. Hudson, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit commanding officer. "It was a great opportunity to train with Col. Akira Kurosawa's professional warriors."

Kurosawa, the JGSDF, WAIR commanding officer, and 180 soldiers arrived to participate in various training events during the month-long training period.

As the bilateral training continues U.S. and Japanese troops will participate in additional beach security and live fire ranges. According to Hudson, working together is beneficial for both the 11th MEU and the WAIR to increase military interoperability.

NAVAL AMPHIBIOUS BASE CORONADO, Calif. -Master Sgt. Ueda Ryuichi, a scout swimmer squad leader with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, Western Army Infantry Regiment prepares to simulate securing a beach during combat rubber raiding craft training here Feb. 10. The soldiers are participating in Exercise Iron Fist, a bilateral training exercise conducted with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit to strengthen the bond between the U.S. and Japanese militaries., Cpl. Elyssa Quesada, 2/10/2011 7:09 AM
NAVAL AMPHIBIOUS BASE CORONADO, Calif. -Gunnery Sgt. Sione Kefu, the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific coxswain course manager, is interviewed by Japanese media during combat rubber raiding craft training with the Japanese Western Army Infantry Regiment and EWTGPAC here Feb. 10. The Soldiers with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, Western Army Infantry Regiment are participating in Exercise Iron Fist, a bilateral training exercise conducted with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit to increase military interoperability., Cpl. Elyssa Quesada, 2/10/2011 7:37 AM
NAVAL AMPHIBIOUS BASE CORONADO, Calif. -A scout swimmer, with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, Western Army Infantry Regiment, simulates securing a beach during combat rubber raiding craft training here Feb. 10. The soldiers and Marines with the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific are participating in Exercise Iron Fist, a bilateral training event increase military interoperability., Cpl. Elyssa Quesada, 2/10/2011 7:46 AM
NAVAL AMPHIBIOUS BASE CORONADO, Calif. -Soldiers, with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, Western Army Infantry Regiment ranger platoon, conduct paddle exercises during combat rubber raiding craft training with Marines with the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific here Feb. 10. Exercise Iron Fist, a bilateral training exercise, will strengthen the bond between the U.S. and Japanese militaries and allow both militaries to improve their amphibious capabilities., Cpl. Elyssa Quesada, 2/10/2011 8:17 AM
NAVAL AMPHIBIOUS BASE CORONADO, Calif. -Colonel Michael R. Hudson, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit commanding officer, is interviewed by Japanese media during combat rubber raiding craft training with the Japanese Western Army Infantry Regiment and Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific here Feb. 10. The solders are training with the EWTGPAC improve their amphibious capabilities., Cpl. Elyssa Quesada, 2/10/2011 11:38 AM
NAVAL AMPHIBIOUS BASE CORONADO, Calif. -U.S. Marines and soldiers with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, Western Army Infantry Regiment head out into the water during combat rubber raiding craft training with Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific here Feb. 10. The Marines and soldiers are participating in Exercise Iron Fist, a bilateral training exercise to strengthen the bond between U.S. and Japanese militaries. , Cpl. Elyssa Quesada, 2/10/2011 12:24 PM
NAVAL AMPHIBIOUS BASE CORONADO, Calif. -U.S. Marines and soldiers with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, Western Army Infantry Regiment paddle back to shore during combat rubber raiding craft training with Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific here Feb. 10. The Marines and soldiers are participating in Exercise Iron Fist, a bilateral training exercise to strengthen the bond between U.S. and Japanese militaries. , Cpl. Elyssa Quesada, 2/10/2011 12:29 PM
NAVAL AMPHIBIOUS BASE CORONADO, Calif. -Colonel Michael R. Hudson, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit commanding officer, heads out into the water with soldiers from the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, Western Army Infantry Regiment during combat rubber raiding craft training with Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific here Feb. 10. Marines and soldiers are participating in Exercise Iron Fist, a bilateral training exercise to strengthen the bond between U.S. and Japanese militaries. , Lance Cpl. Harold S. Johnson, 2/10/2011 12:19 PM