SASEBO, Japan (March 7, 2024) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), right, the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Ōsumi-class tank landing ship JS Kunisaki (LST-4003) and the Awaji-class minesweeper JS Etajima (MSO-306), are underway in 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)