U.S. Marines, Japan Ground SDF Conduct Keen Sword 23
by U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Duncan McClain December
9,
2022
Keen Sword 23 kicked off November 10, 2022 with the
establishment of three Bilateral Ground Tactical Coordination
Centers (BGTCCs) at three different locations in the Nansei Islands
where Marines from the 3d Marine Division, 12th Marine Regiment, and
3d Battalion, 12th Marines worked with their Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) counterparts to
plan and coordinate operations together.

November 15, 2022 - U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2d
Marines and members of the Japan Self-Defense Force
Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade traverse the rocky
shoreline after offloading from a Japan Self Defense Force
CH-47JA Chinook helicopter during Keen Sword 23 at Tsutara,
Japan. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that
exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed
between 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force,
and the Japan Self-Defense Force. (Image created by USA
Patriotism! from U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Scott
Aubuchon.)
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“The BGTCC is
similar to a combat operations center where we de-conflict fire
missions with the Japanese, as well as collect and exchange data
with other units within the Marine Expeditionary Force and
Division,” said Sgt. Christian Secor, a satellite communications
operator with 12th Marine Regiment.
While the BGTCC is a
relatively new concept, these bilateral command and control nodes
were employed and further developed by 12th Marines and the JGSDF
during several exercises over the past year to include Resolute
Dragon 22, Keen Edge 22, and Resolute Dragon 21.
“The
mission of 12th Marines, particularly here, is to ensure that we can
link the significant capabilities of the Japan Self-Defense Force,
back to the joint force, and put the U.S. joint force in support of
them,” said Col. Jonathan N. Sims, commanding officer of 12th Marine
Regiment.
Meanwhile, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines embarked on
the USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and partnered with the JGSDF’s
Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) for an amphibious assault
on the island of Tokunoshima. During this operation, the ARDB
secured the beach coming from ship-to-shore in amphibious assault
vehicles while the U.S. Marines provided reinforced with additional
combat power via MV-22B Ospreys.
“We were doing an air
assault from the USS New Orleans, but we really demonstrated the
capability to get to where we needed to go,” said Capt. Connor
Keating, a company commander with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines. “The
ARDB is a very capable and willing force. We know that if we find
ourselves side by side with them we are in a good place.”
In
a separate training event, another group from the ARDB and 1st
Battalion, 2nd Marines inserted via CH-47JA Chinooks and MV-22B
Ospreys to secure and defend the remote island of Tsutara. The
combined ground forces landed on rocky beaches and traversed the
steep terrain within dense jungles to accomplish their mission.

November 16, 2022 - U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2d
Marines and members of the Japan Self-Defense Force
Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade observe the coastline
and nearby water below from a densely wooded ridge during
Keen Sword 23 at Tsutara, Japan. (Image created by USA
Patriotism! from U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Scott Aubuchon.)
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While the 10 day Keen Sword is designed to
strengthen interoperability and combat readiness, there is also a
relational component that comes from operating closely with friends,
partners, and allies ... along with demonstrating U.S. resolve to
support the security interests of Allies and partners in the region.
“This training allows us work with units and people that prepare us
for a real-world deployment,” said Sgt. Javier Camilo, a data
systems administrator with 12th Marine Regiment. “Being able to work
with members of the JGSDF face-to-face helps improve our
understanding of the situation and improve communication.”
From a broader perspective, the exercise demonstrates a commitment
from Japan and the United States to mutual defense and regional
security. Keen Sword 23 is part of a biennial exercise series
conducted since 1986 that demonstrates the combined capabilities and
lethality developed between U.S. military and the Japan Self-Defense
Force.
“Every rep and set we can get working with any of our
partners is important to us,” said Sims. “Conflict will always be an
allied effort.”
---------------------- Minor editing
without impacting facts.
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