In the first training deployment for the Japan-based I Corps Forward, the U.S. Army, Pacific (USARPAC) and Japan’s Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) will conduct Yama Sakura 57 (YS57), a joint command post exercise (CPX) at Camp Higashi-Chitose, on Hokkaido, Japan, Dec. 8-14.
Opening ceremonies will be conducted Dec.7, by Lt. Gen. Takeshi Sakai, Northern Army commander and Lt. Gen. Benjamin Mixon, USARPAC commander.
Yama Sakura, which means “Mountain Cherry Blossom,” is an annual, full- spectrum, combined CPX with U.S. and Japanese military forces working to strengthen Japan’s self defense operations.
This year, USARPAC’s Contingency Command Post (CCP) and I Corps Forward form the central command and control element for U.S. forces.
The annual exercise rotates between each of JGSDF’s five regional armies. This year, the Northern Army will participate.
Also a joint exercise for the United States, Yama Sakura combines U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps elements, including Reservists and National Guard forces. Roughly 1,500 U.S. military personnel and 3,500 JGSDF personnel will participate.
Training objectives include exchanging ideas, military experience and techniques with JGSDF; training U.S. ground forces for deployment to Japan; strengthening JGSDF and U.S. capabilities defending Japan; and preparing USARPAC forces for combined, multi-national and joint operations.