GULF OF ADEN (Nov. 25, 2023)The guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87), front, is underway alongside the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Murasame-class destroyer JS Akebono (DD 108) in the Gulf of Aden, Nov. 25, 2023. Sailors from both ships trained on visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) procedures, helicopter operations, and division tactic exercises, increasing interoperability between the two allies. DAs part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG), the Mason is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Samantha Alaman)