{"id":37174,"date":"2017-09-19T21:03:05","date_gmt":"2017-09-19T21:03:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/uncategorized\/2017\/09\/19\/new-navy-command-will-oversee-japan-based-ships-training-and-certification\/"},"modified":"2026-08-20T14:00:24","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T14:00:24","slug":"new-navy-command-will-oversee-japan-based-ships-training-and-certification","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/news\/your-navy\/2017\/09\/19\/new-navy-command-will-oversee-japan-based-ships-training-and-certification\/","title":{"rendered":"New Navy command will oversee Japan-based ships\u2019 training and certification"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Navy\u2019s Pacific Fleet is standing up a new command that will consolidate training and certification oversight for ships based in Japan, according to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The announcement came as part of the top Navy officer\u2019s prepared remarks before a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing Tuesday where he faced pointed questions about the sea service\u2019s recent at-sea incidents, including the fatal collisions this summer involving the destroyers Fitzgerald and John S. McCain that killed 17 sailors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dubbed the Naval Surface Group Western Pacific, the new command will help ensure 7th<\/sup> Fleet ships are properly certified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat we do is inherently dangerous,\u201d Richardson said in his remarks. \u201cIt is a leadership responsibility to ensure we provide the right oversight and training to keep our team at their operational peak.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recent government watchdog reports have found that 37 percent of Japan-based cruisers and destroyers were operating with expired certifications as of June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During committee questioning, Richardson said a plan that allowed ships to operate with expired certifications became \u201cpretty pervasive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\t