171120-N-HI376-010 PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 20, 2017) The forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) fires its 5-inch gun during a coordinated live-fire gunnery exercise as part of Annual Exercise 2017 (AE17). AE17, the premiere training event between the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, is designed to increase the defensive readiness and interoperability of Japanese and American Forces through training in air and sea operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy Graham/Released)