The U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force kicked off their bilateral maritime field training exercises on Thursday, bringing together thousands of personnel for air and sea drills.
Approximately 14,000 U.S. Navy personnel will participate, the Navy said. Units include those from the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, Carrier Air Wing 5, Destroyer Squadron 15 and guided-missile destroyers USS Stethem, USS Chafee, USS Mustin and a maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadron.
The 10-day exercise will take place in the waters around Okinawa.
“Annual Exercise, the premier training event between USN and JMSDF, is designed to increase the defensive readiness and interoperability of Japanese and American forces through training in air and sea operations,” the Navy said.