181002-N-XK398-1031 SUBIC BAY, Republic of the Philippines (Oct. 3, 2018) Brig. Gen. Chris A. McPhillips, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, observes Marines attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) conduct assault amphibious vehicle operations with the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) as part of a training exercise for KAMANDAG 2. KAMANDAG 2 is a military training exercise led by Philippines between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military, along with participants from the Japan Self-Defense Force featuring military-to-military exchanges through various training events, capabilities development training, and humanitarian and civic assistance projects. 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 Philippine and United States Militaries. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Mortensen/Released)