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NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2008 15
aand highnd high
sspiritspirits
ship’s company in high spirits and One of the most iconic images three days to recover.”
fighting form. of Japan is the sacred volcano The less-adventurous were also
The ship conducted two Mount Fuji, and almost a quarter able to marvel at all that Japan has
demanding and very different of the frigate’s company made it to to offer, both historic (tranquil
exercises, the first with elements the summit at 3,776m (12,388ft). palaces, temples and gardens)
of the US Navy’s Pacific Fleet, the The Kent team, led by Executive and modern (designer shopping,
second with the Japanese Maritime Officer Lt Cdr Mike Smith, first Disneyland Tokyo and karaoke).
Self Defence Force (JMSDF). climbed to a mountain refuge at Even though the subtler
For the first, Kent worked with 2,800m (9,186ft) where, as the elements may be lost to the gaijin
American Arleigh-Burke destroyer wind rose, they rested overnight or outsider, it was still part of
USS McCampbell and supply ship and enjoyed a simple Japanese the experience for the likes of Lt
USNS Rappahannock, based with dinner of beef, rice and green tea. Cdr Sue Barrows, who visited the
the Seventh Fleet at Yokosuka, in a temple of Senso-ji in Tokyo.
four-day anti-submarine, anti-air,
The fi nal push to the summit
“Everyone was queuing to throw
and electronic warfare exercise,
proved challenging, and
coins and bow in front of a temple
incorporating boarding operations
not everyone made it
and gunnery drills.
through driving, freezing
for some reason, so I did too and
Japanese destroyer JS Murasme
rain across slippery pumice
then made a wish,” she said.
was the focus of the second
stone in time to watch the
“It turned out later that was
exercise, covering anti-submarine
sun rise.
exactly the right thing to do –
although I’m still waiting for my
warfare and ship-handling skills. MLA(Phot) Owen King did make wish to come true…”
Kent’s Principal Warfare it (fortunately, as he was taking Lt Cdr Smith said the ship’s
Officer, Lt Cdr Mark Anderson, the pictures…) and said: “It was company recognised the
said: “It went a long way to further only after five minutes of climbing significance of the visit: “The
strengthen already strong ties it dawned on me how hard it was UK and Japan continue to enjoy
between the JMSDF and the RN going to be. strong diplomatic and commercial
– and was particularly poignant “I was very lucky to be able to links, and the opportunity
given that this week 150 years ago climb such a beautiful mountain, to demonstrate that the UK is
the first accords were signed.” although I don’t think I will make continuing to engage in this region
The two ships also exchanged a habit of climbing any more for is an important part of HMS
personnel during the exercise. quite some time – my legs took Kent’s tasking.”
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