170425-N-HE318-169 SEA OF JAPAN (April 25, 2017) The guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) conducts a bilateral training exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force guided-missile destroyer JS Choukai (DDG 176). Exercises like this enhance information sharing and combined maritime defense capabilities to ensure the U.S. and our allies remain ready to defend the region against any provocations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William McCann/Released)