YOKOSUKA, Japan -- Commander, Task Force (CTF) 70, along with Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, U.S. Air Force assets, and units from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), will participate in Resilient Shield 2018, Feb. 16-23.

Resilient Shield is an annual computer-based Fleet Synthetic Training-Joint (FST-J) exercise held at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), Japan, and other command centers throughout the region.

"Resilient Shield is designed to test our tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) against potential regional threats while ensuring Japanese and U.S. forces are well-rehearsed in executing those TTPs," said Capt. Bo Johns, commanding officer of USS Shiloh (CG 67) and ballistic missile defense commander (BMD) for CTF 70. "The collaboration required to plan and execute an event like Resilient Shield strengthens our relationship with the Japanese and enables better communication, while the execution of the evolution makes interoperability between our militaries more effective and efficient."

Resilient Shield 2018 is specifically focused on BMD training for JMSDF ships and 7th Fleet's forward deployed ships. Both U.S. Navy and JMSDF BMD-capable ships, along with the U.S. Air Force and JASDF, provide a robust missile defense capability for the U.S. and our allies.

The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), USS Benfold (DDG 65), and USS Stethem (DDG 63), forward-deployed to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, will work alongside personnel from JS Teruzuki (DD 116) and JS Kongo (DD 173) during the exercise.

The ships' warfighting teams will exchange operational integrated air and missile defense (IAMD), surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare information for advanced tactical training. This training is designed to improve proficiency in warfighting and joint operations for ballistic missile defense.

The successful defense of the U.S. and our allies from unanticipated ballistic missile threats requires detailed planning, precision ship stationing and quick defensive reactions. In turn, the BMD mission is one of many missions that the U.S. and allies practice on a regular basis to maintain maximum proficiency and cooperation.