PHILIPPINE SEA (July 24, 2022) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6), sails in formation with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Murasame-class destroyer JS Kirisame (DD 104), during a bi-lateral exercise in the Philippine Sea. Jackson, 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 Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Nicholas Woronoff)