180411-N-RI884-0334 PHILIPPINE SEA (April 11, 2018) Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Rear Adm. Tsutomu Shirane, right, commander of Mine Warfare Force, and Rear Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 7, observe flight operations of the F-35B Lightning II aircraft aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). The U.S. and Japan routinely work together through exchanges and bilateral drills to increase mutual understanding and interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel Barker/Released)