A British patrol vessel has taken part for the first time in regular military maneuvers by the Japanese and US navies in the Pacific Ocean, British authorities said on Saturday.
HMS Spy joined the ten-day maneuvers, which focused on joint response to armed attacks “with a view to testing the readiness of participating countries”, according to a statement from the British Royal Navy.
The exercises known as “Ken Sword” involved 36,000 servicemen, 30 ships and 370 aircraft, mainly belonging to Japan and the United States, but Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom also joined the exercises.
Lieutenant Commander Bridget McNee, the vessel’s executive officer in charge, said: “For the crew of HMS Spey, the opportunity to participate in Exercise Keene Sword 23 has provided countless opportunities to further develop our capabilities to work together and continue our wonderful working relationship with the Marine Corps in the Self-Defense Forces, Japan, and many other allies and partners participating in exercises.
Ken Sword maneuvers were first conducted in 1985 and this year’s exercises are 16.
Spee is one of two British Navy patrol vessels deployed on a long-term mission to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, as part of the UK’s growing focus on the region.
