180409-N-RI884-0342 EAST CHINA SEA (April 9, 2018) The amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) transits the East China Sea as part of a coordinated formation with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Osumi-class amphibious transport dock ship JS Shimokita (LST 4002). The bilateral navigational maneuvers were conducted as part of an enduring commitment of both sea services to increase U.S.-Japan naval interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel Barker/Released)