MCAS IWAKUNI, Japan (Oct. 1, 2021) U.S. Marine Corps Col. Derek Brannon, left, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 12, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Rear Adm. Shukaku Komuta, commander of Escort Flotilla One, deliver opening remarks to U.S. Marines, U.S. Sailors, and JMSDF personnel aboard the JMSDF helicopter destroyer JS Izumo (DDH-183) at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 1, 2021. U.S. Marines and Sailors embarked aboard the Japanese Ship Izumo in support of the first ever F-35B Lightning II operations aboard a Japanese vessel. The U.S. and Japan continue to work closely together to broaden their operational capabilities, support the Treaty of mutual Cooperation and Security, and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Harmon)