US Navy Attack Sub to Participate in Japanese Anti-Submarine Warfare Drill

The U.S. Navy is dispatching a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) to participate in an anti-submarine warfare exercise, code-named Submarine Competition (SUBCOMP), hosted by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), and expected to take place February 13 to 20 in waters south of Japan.

Last year’s iteration of the exercise also featured a Los Angeles-class SSN, along with the first ever participation of a Royal Australian Navy Collins-class diesel-electric attack submarine (SSK). SUBCOMP is designed to evaluate and test JMSDF crews across multiple platforms on their ability to conduct various aspects of anti-submarine warfare.

The JMSDF will participate with several submarines, anti-submarine warfare aircraft, and five surface combatants, including the Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer JS Ise, which also serves as the command ship for Japanese naval forces during the exercise.