YOKOSUKA, Japan -- The 2017 edition of Annual Exercise, a bilateral maritime field training exercise involving the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and U.S. Navy (USN), will be conducted Nov. 16-26.

Approximately 14,000 U.S. personnel will participate, from units including the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) with embarked Carrier Air Wing CVW) 5, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the guided-missile destroyers USS Stethem (DDG 63), USS Chafee (DDG 90), USS Mustin (DDG 89), and a maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadron.

Annual Exercise, the premier training event between USN and JMSDF, is designed to increase the defensive readiness and interoperability of Japanese and American forces through training in air and sea operations. The training will take place in the waters surrounding Okinawa. The exercise follows more than a week of scenario-based training ashore.

Questions regarding JMSDF participation, training and personnel should be referred to the Japan Maritime Staff Office Public Affairs Office.