UK Navy takes part in Pacific exercise for first time, British patrol ship participated in “Exercise Keen Sword,” a routine Pacific training exercise conducted by the Japanese and US navies, for the first time, the UK announced on Saturday. The Royal Navy stated in a press release that HMS Sprey participated in the ten-day military exercise focusing on a coordinated response to armed attacks “aimed at testing the readiness of participating countries.”
UK Navy takes part in Pacific exercise for first time
36,000 military personnel, 30 ships, and 370 aircraft, mostly from Japan and the United States but also from Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, participated in the exercise.
“For the crew of HMS Spey, the opportunity to take part in Exercise Keen Sword 23 has offered countless opportunities to further develop our ability to work together and continue our great working relationship with the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force and the many other allies and partners participating in the exercise,” said Lieutenant Commander Bridget Macnae, the ship’s Executive Officer.
“Keen Sword” was first held in 1985 and this year’s event is the 16th such exercise.
As part of the UK’s increased attention to the region, Spey is one of two Royal Navy patrol ships sent on a long-term mission to India, Asia, and the Pacific.
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