As part of exercise SUBEX 25-1, the Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN-763) operated alongside Sōryū– and Taigei-class attack submarines of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) in the waters of the western Pacific. The activity, held from July 12 to 14 off the coast of the Yokosuka Naval Base, aimed to enhance interoperability and joint undersea warfare capabilities.
The central objective of SUBEX 25-1 was to refine operational cooperation in the submarine domain, with a special focus on tactical coordination in open waters. Over two days of exercises, U.S. and Japanese crews conducted joint maneuvers that allowed them to sharpen their mutual understanding of tactics, protocols, and complex operational environments.
This initiative is part of a series of regular activities designed to strengthen the bilateral alliance and ensure a robust defensive posture in the Indo-Pacific region. Accordingly, the USS Santa Fe, assigned to Submarine Squadron 11 and deployed to the region under the command of Submarine Group 7, plays an active role in forward presence operations.
Its participation in SUBEX 25-1 aligns with its operational role in joint exercises and deterrence missions. As part of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, it contributes to strengthening cooperation with allies such as Japan and ensuring regional maritime security.
At the conclusion of the exercise, Rear Admiral Lincoln Reifsteck, commander of Submarine Group 7, highlighted the value of integration with the JMSDF. “SUBEX 25-1 is one of many operations we conduct to strengthen our undersea interoperability. Each training reaffirms our commitment to Indo-Pacific stability,” he stated. He also underscored the strength of the partnership with Japan as an essential component of collective defense.
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