SEA OF JAPAN (April 12, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the “Vigilantes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, prepares to launch from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Kong-class guide-missile destroyer JS Kong (DDG 173) sails in formation during a U.S.-Japan bilateral exercise, April 12, 2022. During bilateral exercises between Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and JMSDF, the two navies strengthen all-domain awareness and maneuvers across a distributed maritime environment. Bilateral operations like this one reassure our allies and partners of the U.S. commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Javier Reyes)