SASEBO, Japan (May 30, 2022) Lt. j.g. Nick Melara from, New Orleans, explains the capabilities and unique mission sets of the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) to sailors from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Mogami-class frigate JS Noshiro (FFM 3). Charleston, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th 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 region. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. James French)