SASEBO, Japan (March 7, 2024) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) sails into formation during Exercise Iron Fist, March 7, 2024. 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Thomas B. Contant)