The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Osumi-Class JS Kunisaki (LST 4003) carrying a multinational crew of U.S., Australian, and Japanese personnel arrived in Da Nang city, Vietnam on June 6 for the Pacific Partnership 2014, beginning collaborative medical and activities with the people of Vietnam. A welcoming ceremony took place pier side following the arrival of the ship.
PP14 Mission Commander U.S. Navy Capt. Brian Shipman, Deputy Mission Commander Japan Maritime Defense Force Capt. Yoichi Matsui, Mission Chief of Staff Australian Army Lt. Col. John Cronin represents their respective nations at the welcoming ceremony. The nine-day collaboration focuses on events and skills exchanges in areas such as military medicine and engineering. Ship tours, band concerts, community relations events, and U.S.-Japanese-Australian-Vietnamese sporting events are also planned. These activities underscore closer ties between Vietnam and partner countries in the PP 14, especially with the United States.
