JDS Tsushima (JS 302)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force minesweeper Tsushima (JS 302) simulates clearing a path for the forward-deployed amphibious dock landing Ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46). Tsushima and Tortuga are conducting a navigational lead through exercise as part of Annual Exercise 2009, a bilateral exercise conducted by the U.S. and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Andrew Smith/Released)

JDS Hyuga (DDH 181)

Two SH-60K Sea Hawk helicopters lift off from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga (DDH 181) during a rehearsal for the 2009 fleet review. More than 8,000 civilians toured selected ships and viewed the rehearsal. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Dominique Pineiro/Released)

JDS Aishima (MSC 688)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force coastal mine hunter JDS Aishima (MSC 688) flies the American national ensign and signals "Good Luck" from the flag hoist to the mine warfare ship USS Patriot (MCM 7). Patriot and Aishima are participating in 1JA, a bilateral mine countermeasures exercise between the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Patriot replied by flying the Japanese ensign and signaling Bravo Zulu. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mineman Seaman J'myle Koretz/Released)

JDS Kurama (DDH 144)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JDS Kurama (DDH 144) pulls alongside amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) during Exercise Malabar 2009, an annual exercise led by the Indian Navy. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel Viramontes/Released)

JDS Ashigara (DDG 178)

The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force guided-missile destroyer JS Ashigara (DDG 178) makes her way pier side at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Ashigara was commissioned on March 13, 2008 and is in Pearl Harbor for a port visit. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael A. Lantron/Released)

JDS Ashigara (DDG-178)

The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force guided-missile destroyer JS Ashigara (DDG-178) passes the USS Arizona Memorial as she makes her way pier side to Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Ashigara was commissioned on March 13, 2008 and is in Pearl Harbor for a port visit. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael A. Lantron)

JDS Inazuma (DD 105)

Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) ship JDS Inazuma (DD 105) passes the USS Arizona Memorial as she prepares to moor pierside at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Pearl Harbor. JMSDF ships Inazuma, JDS Chokai (DDG 176) and JDS Kurama (DDH 144) are in port at NAVSTA Pearl Harbor for a port visit while en route to San Diego to conduct training. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James E. Foehl)

JDS Onami (DD 111)

The Japanese anti-submarine warfare destroyer Onami (DD 111), leads a flotilla of ships from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force during a fleet review practice. More than 30 ships and 15 aircraft participated in the display of sea and air power, which was open to the public. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chantel M. Clayton)

JDS Yamagiri (TV 3515)

The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force ship (JMSDF) JDS Yamagiri (TV 3515) passes the USS Missouri memorial. Several other JMSDF training ships, JDS Kashima (TV 3508), JDS Amagiri (DD 154) and JDS Yamagiri (TV 3515) pulled into Pearl Harbor for a port visit part of a world-wide training and international relations cruise. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Dennis C. Cantrell)

JDS Kashima (TV 3508)

Sailors stationed aboard JDS Kashima (TV 3508) man the rails while rendering honors during a 21-gun salute as they enter Pearl Harbor. More than 1,000 sailors assigned to JDS Kashima (TV 3508), JDS Armagiri (DD 154) and JDS Yamagiri (TV 3515), led by senior representative of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, Rear Adm. Takanobu Sasaki, Commander, Japan Training Squadron, will be visiting Pearl Harbor during their training cruise. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James E. Foehl)

JDS Harusame (DD 102)

The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) JDS Harusame (DD 102) sails ahead during a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Nimitz-class aircraft USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln spent three days conducting exercises with JMDSF and took part in an officer exchange program as part of a passing exercise. Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) are currently on a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class M. Jeremie Yoder)

JDS Myoko (DDG 175)

The Japanese Maritime Self Defense (JDS) ship JDS Myoko (DDG 175), foreground, sails in formation along with the guided missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67), rear, during a passing exercise between the U.S. and Japanese naval forces. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) is currently conducting readiness training in support of the Navy's Fleet Response Plan. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Justin R. Blake)

JDS Akebono (DD109)

Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ship Akebono (JDS 109) cruises along side Kitty Hawk during a Photo Exercise. Japanese ships integrated into Kitty Hawk’s battle group during Exercise Keen Sword 2003. Keen Sword 2003 is the seventh in a series of regularly scheduled joint/bilateral field training exercise since 1986 involving the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and United States military. The purpose of Keen Sword is to train and evaluate wartime functions and bilateral cooperation procedures against the backdrop of a regional contingency scenario that has direct and immediate consequences to the U.S. and Japan. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom)