U.S. turns to private Japan shipyards for faster warship repairs

 

TOKYO -- The U.S. Navy is studying the use of Japan's private shipyards to maintain, repair and overhaul its warships in a bid to reduce servicing backlogs back home -- an idea that could expand to South Korea, Singapore and the Philippines.
 
If realized, the move would signal a new level of integration with allies and partners as the U.S. maneuvers in the face of a now-larger Chinese naval fleet.
 
U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel is leading the efforts, speaking with members of Congress and mobilizing embassy staff to reach out to the Japanese government, Nikkei Asia has learned.
 
In the past, the U.S. Navy has used shipyards in Japan, India and the Philippines to repair logistics ships, such as auxiliary vessels and replenishment oilers. But the new concept envisions expanding this in a fundamental way to include warships, such as destroyers, cruisers and amphibious ships forward-deployed to Japan.