151123-N-UF697-082 WATERS SOUTH OF JAPAN (Nov. 23, 2015) The forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) joins the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 73) and the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group and ships from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) for a tactical maneuvering exercise during Annual Exercise (AE) 16. Stethem is participating in Annual Exercise 16 to increase interoperability between Japanese and American forces through training in air and sea operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin V. Cunningham/Released)