MALAKAL PASSAGE (Sept. 2, 2021) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) sails alongside the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force the Izumo-class helicopter destroyer JS Kaga (DDH 184), the Murasame-class destroyer JS Murasame (DD 101), and the Asahi-class destroyer JS Shiranui (DD 120) through the Malakal Passage, Republic of Palau, Sept. 2, 2021. Jackson, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven is on a rotational deployment operating in the U.S. Seventh Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Kaga, Murasame, and Shiranui are part of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense force, which is part of the Indo-Pacific Deployment Unit. The Japanese vessels were in the Republic of Palau to conduct a goodwill exercise with the Palauan Patrol Ships Kedam and Remelik II. The three countries share a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Atticus Martinez)