PHILIPPINE SEA (June 7, 2024) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) flies the Battle Ensign while in formation with the destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76), center, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s first-in-class helicopter destroyer JS Izumo (DDH 183), right, and other U.S. and Japanese ships in support of Valiant Shield 2024 in the Philippine Sea, June 7, 2024. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allow the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service and with our allies to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Devin Monroe)