PHILIPPINE SEA (March 11, 2023) Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Vice Adm. SAITO Akira, center, commander of the Self-Defense Fleet, and Capt. William Snyder, commanding officer of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), exchange coins aboard the forward-deployed ship during Exercise Iron Fist in the Philippine Sea, March 11, 2023. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Thomas B. Contant)