PHILIPPINE SEA (June 7, 2024) The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Helicopter destroyer JS Izumo (DDH 183), left, and the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), right, participate in exercise Valiant Shield 2024 in the Philippine Sea, June 7. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allows 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. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Caitlin Flynn)