Sasebo, Japan -- U. S. Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Far East (NCTS FE) Detachment Sasebo and the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Sasebo District headquarters combined resources to implement a first ever bilateral joint venture that provides enhanced mission assurance, extended synthetic training capabilities, and enabled cost-savings across the board for U.S. and Japan afloat assets.
The telecommunications expansion to Tategami Finger piers, located in the JMSDF-controlled area on Sasebo harbor, extended enhanced training capability between U.S. and Government of Japan (GOJ) forces, forging stronger ties between the close allies.
NCTS FE Det Sasebo provided the vision for this effort which began to take shape in November 2014. Designs were drawn, supplies were acquired, and concurrence from Capt. Katherine A. Mayer, Commanding Officer, NCTS FE; Capt. Junichi Kaneko, JMSDF; and key U.S Forces Japan, GOJ, and U.S. Pacific Command stakeholders was received to install new fiber optic infrastructure and termination equipment on GOJ-controlled pier infrastructure.
“This was a true team effort between the JMSDF and U.S. Forces in Sasebo from inception to implementation. When the opportunity to develop, design and implement a project that bolsters joint training and readiness, extends capabilities, and helps foster bonds with a close ally knocked, we were happy to answer,” noted Lt. Jason W. Sabater, Officer in Charge of NCTS FE Detachment Sasebo.
The installation of a 12-strand single-mode fiber optic backbone that will provide the bridge between the Navy Continuous Training Environment network is slated for completion in November 2015. Thirty-five personnel, organic to the NCTS FE workforce, consisting of active duty Sailors, U.S. Civil Service (USCS) and Japanese Master Labor Contract (MLC), will provide manpower for this project.
The installation of the new fiber backbone expands through multiple manholes and will encompass over 1,000 feet of fiber optic cable and three in-line splice points. The task of providing critical services such as steam, electrical, water and telecommunications while simultaneously installing the new fiber optics in reclaimed land represents a herculean task and requires attention to detail and vigilant risk assessment and management. The newly laid fiber backbone provides operational relevance, mission training enhancement, and supports future training modernization efforts between the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force and United States.
See the AFN video of the cooperative engagement.