CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Marine Corps Installations Pacific hosted an opening ceremony for a bilateral Japan Ground Self-defense Force guard and protect operational drill May 10 aboard Camp Foster.

The drill allows the JGSDF’s 15th Brigade to utilize Camp Foster May 10-11 to practice their guard and protect mission of providing security for U.S. military bases in the event of a crisis.

Approximately 40 U.S. service members assisted with support and enhancement of the 15th Brigade’s training, allowing soldiers with the 15th Brigade to sharpen their skills and further develop interoperability with MCIPAC in a guard and protect scenario, according to Col. Thomas A. Pecina, commanding officer of Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan.

JGSDF soldiers will practice techniques such as entry and exit control; gate guarding and patrolling.

“We are ever thankful to our hosts, the people of Okinawa, who graciously host our U.S. facilities,” said Pecina, a Lubbock, Texas, native. “This exercise serves to strengthen our bond with the Japan Ground Self-defense Force to be ready to respond to crisis together more effectively.”