PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 5, 2023) Capt. Erik Kenny, right, executive officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), welcomes Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Rear Adm. Kazushi Yokota, commander of Escort Flotilla 3, during Multi-Large Deck Event (MLDE). MLDE with the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group, Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is designed to advance combined readiness between Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the U.S. Navy while simultaneously demonstrating our commitment to our partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific region. Vinson, flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Isaiah B. Goessl)