Caption Six out of the next seven days will be utilized in support of ANNUALEX with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. Aircraft from Carrier Airwing FIVE will play an important part in this exercise. Photo by PH3 Keith Milam

The only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier, USS Independence, has completed her mission in the bilateral multi-service exercise FOAL EAGLE '97. With the gratification of a job well done, the carrier's attention is now focusing on the next exercise at hand, ANNUALEX.

Over the next six days, approximately 120 ships and 180 aircraft from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) will join the Independence Battle Group in the waters surrounding Japan. The hopes of both forces are to improve the capabilities for coordinated/bilateral operations in defense of Japan.

Exercise ANNUALEX is an annual routine bilateral exercise between the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force.

"Exercises like these are important because they provide a chance to practice interoperability between Japanese and U.S. forces," said Lt. Cmdr. Michael K. Leonard, one of three tactical action officers on board Indy. "Exercises like Annualex lets our allies know were here to back and support national interests."

Rear. Adm. Charles W. Moore, Jr., Commander, Task Force SEVEN ZERO will be the Commander of U.S. Naval Forces. During ANNUALEX, the combined warfare commander concept will apply, however each unit operates under the command of each respective commander.

Annualex splits the Navies into two separate forces which will play a scripted scenario. The blue (Independence and her battle group) are the friendly and the orange (Japan) will play the advisory.

"The first three days Independence and Carrier Airwing FIVE will focus on securing the waters surrounding the battle group. They will be searching for orange surface, air and subsurface contacts," said Leonard. "After a one day break, the final three days will focus on air to air combat deterrence."

Joining the battle group in Exercise Annualex are USS Bunker Hill (CG-52), USS Mobile Bay (CG-53), USS Fife (DD-991), USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG-54), USS Portsmouth (SSN-707), USS William H. Bates (SSN-680), and USNS Guadalupe (TAO 200).