191009-N-QD718-1111 SUBIC BAY (Oct. 9, 2019) Japanese soldiers from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade transit to the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) in an assault amphibious vehicle for exercise KAMANDAG 3. KAMANDAG is a Philippine-led, bilateral exercise with the U.S., designed to increase counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities through military exchanges that strengthen partnership and the ability to rapidly respond to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region. KAMANDAG is an acronym for the Filipino phrase "Kaagapay Ng Mga Mandirigma Ng Dagat," which translates to "Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea," highlighting the partnership between the U.S. and Philippine militaries. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Toni Burton/Released)