Exercise (JMSDF[JapanNavy])

The Maritime Self-Defense Force conducts exercises with the objective of improving the knowledge and skills required for each member to perform their duties, and refining the comprehensive ability required to achieve the mission of the unit.
The first stage of exercise focuses on creating teamwork for each ship and aircraft, which are the basic units of combat strength. Subsequently, this training progresses to applied unit training after the members demonstrate improved proficiency. The size of the units increase, and exercise is then conducted between ships or in tandem between ships and aircraft. We also conduct comprehensive exercise, including the annual exercise that enables larger units to work together.

http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/formal/english/exercises/index.html