SURUGA-WAN SHIZUOKA, Japan (Sept. 16, 2022) A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) landing craft air cushion approaches the JMSDF tank landing ship JS Kunisaki (LST-4003) during Transport Exercise (TRANSPORTEX) in Suruga-wan Shizuoka, Japan. TRANSPORTEX is a humanitarian aid & disaster relief exercise further enhancing interoperability between Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and the JMSDF, enabling a combined rapid response force in the event of crisis or natural disaster. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Manuel Alvarado)