CAMP PENDLETON, California (Feb. 9, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. George W. Smith Jr., commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force, left, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Maj. Gen. Shingo Nashinoki, commanding general of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, listen to a media reporter’s question during a press conference as part of exercise Iron Fist 2022 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 9, 2022. The press conference was held for U.S. and Japanese media to ask questions regarding the exercise and observe bilateral training. For almost two decades, the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and JGSDF have conducted exercise Iron Fist, training together in amphibious operations and affirming the U.S. commitment to our allies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Carl Matthew Ruppert)