170601-N-RM689-204 SEA OF JAPAN (June 1, 2017) Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) sail in formation during a bilateral exercise between USS Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan carrier strike groups and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. The Ronald Reagan and Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Groups conduct maritime training operations with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships, JS Hyuga (DDH 181) and JS Ashigara (DDG178). JMSDF and U.S. Navy forces routinely train together to improve interoperability and readiness to provide stability and security for the Indo-Asia Pacific region (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kelsey L. Adams/Released)