JS Hyuga (DDH 181)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga (DDH 181) prepares to turn from a formation of U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships during Annual Exercise 2011. Annual Exercise is a bi-lateral field training exercise designed to practice and evaluate the coordination procedures and interoperability elements required to respond to the defense of Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam K. Thomas/Released)

JS Kurama (DDH 144)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS Kurama (DDH 144) test fires chafe as part of the integrated maritime exercise Koa Kai. Kurama is participating in Koa Kai with the guided-missile destroyers USS O'Kane (DDG 77) and USS Chafee (DDG 90), the guided-missile frigate USS Crommelin (FFG 37), and the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11) to prepare independent deployers in multiple warfare areas and provide training in a multi-ship environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released)

JS Kurama (DDH 144)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) helicopter destroyer JS Kurama (DDH 144) departs Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to be part of exercise Koa Kai 12-1. Koa Kai 12-1 is an integrated maritime exercise to prepare independent deployers in multiple warfare areas, while also providing training in a multi-ship environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark Logico/Released)

JS Akebono (DDH 108)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force destroyer JS Akebono comes alongside HMAS Kanimbla for a light jackstay transfer. HMAS Kanimbla is transiting to Australia from Hawaii, after completing Exercise RIMPAC 2010, and is sailing in company with HMA Ships Warramunga, Newcastle, and JS Akebono. (Photo: Australia DoD)

JS Samidare (DDG 106)

Japanese Destoyer, JS Samidare departs Fort Hill Wharf in Darwin for sea with Thai, Ratanakosin Class Missile Corvette, HTMS Sukhothai in the background. Ships depart Fort Hill Wharf in Darwin and the HMAS Coonawarra Basin for the two week sea phase of Exercise Kakadu. Two thousand sailors and airmen from nine nations are gearing up in northern Australia for Exercise Kakadu IX, an important international Defence exercise. The 19 day exercise will bring together Defence personnel from Australia, New Zealand, the French Armed Forces - New Caledonia (FANC), Singapore, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, Japan and Thailand; with observers from the Philippines, Indonesia and India. Exercise Kakadu IX is a multilateral exercise aimed at developing interoperability in maritime operations in an international environment. (Photo: Australia DoD)

JS Samidare (DDG 106)

Japanese Destoyer, JS Samidare departs Fort Hill Wharf in Darwin for sea with naval hospital ship, USNS Mercy in the background. Ships depart Fort Hill Wharf in Darwin and the HMAS Coonawarra Basin for the two week sea phase of Exercise Kakadu. Two thousand sailors and airmen from nine nations are gearing up in northern Australia for Exercise Kakadu IX, an important international Defence exercise. The 19 day exercise will bring together Defence personnel from Australia, New Zealand, the French Armed Forces - New Caledonia (FANC), Singapore, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, Japan and Thailand; with observers from the Philippines, Indonesia and India. Exercise Kakadu IX is a multilateral exercise aimed at developing interoperability in maritime operations in an international environment. It is the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) premier international engagement activity for 2008 and will take place in the Northern Australian Exercise Area off Darwin. (Photo: Australia DoD)

JDS Samidare (DD106)

Japanese Destoyer, JS Samidare departs Fort Hill Wharf in Darwin for sea with Thai, Ratanakosin Class Missile Corvette, HTMS Sukhothai in the background. (Photo: Australia DoD)

JDS Kongo (DDG 173)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JDS Kongo (DDG 173) is underway in the Pacific Ocean. George Washington, the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, is participating in Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX 21G), a yearly bilateral exercise with the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Anthony Martinez/Released)

JDS Hyuga (DDH 181)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga (DDH 181) is underway in the Pacific Ocean as Sea Hawk helicopters from the Chargers of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 14 fly in formation alongside the ship. Ships from the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force are participating in Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX 21G), a bilateral exercise designed to enhance the capabilities of both naval forces. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Reann S. Mommsen/Released)

JDS Hyuga (DDH 181)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga (DDH 181) sends morse code messages to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) via light signals as the ships depart Yokosuka Naval Base. George Washington is underway conducting sea trials in the western Pacific Ocean after a completing a selective restricted availability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Danielle A. Brandt/Released)

JDS Yamagiri (TV 3515)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Training Squadron JS Yamagiri (TV 3515) arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH). Yamagiri arrived at JBPHH to participate in various professional exchanges and social events with U.S. counterparts. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation of Security of 1960 that established the alliance between the two countries. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark Logico/Released)

JDS Akebono (DD 108)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Murasame-class destroyer JS Akebono (DD 108) departs Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to participate in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercises. Akebono will participate in bilateral exercises to help strengthen regional partnerships. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Paul D. Honnick/Released)

JDS Akebono (DD 108)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Akebono (DD 108) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) maneuver in formation during the at-sea phase of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010. RIMPAC is a biennial, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Ed Early/Released)

JDS Akebono (DD 108)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Murasame-class destroyer JS Akebono (DD 108) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) transit the Pacific Ocean during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise 2010. RIMPAC, the world's largest multinational maritime exercise, is a biennial event which allows participating nations to work together to build trust and enhance partnerships needed to improve maritime security. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac/Released)

JDS Hamagiri (DD 155)

A helicopter assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) prepares to land aboard the Japan Maritime Self-Defense ship JS Hamagiri (DD 155). Lassen is participating in exercise Keen Sword 2011 with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Information Systems Technician 1st Class Benjamin Wooldridge/Released)

JDS Hatakaze (DDG 171)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense ships JS Hatakaze (DDG 171) and JS Hamagiri (DD 155) steam in formation during Keen Sword 2011. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Information Systems Technician 1st Class Benjamin Wooldridge/Released)

JDS Hatakaze (DDG 171)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense ship JS Hatakaze (DDG 171) is participating in exercise Keen Sword 2011. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Information Systems Technician 1st Class Benjamin Wooldridge/Released)

JDS Kurama (DDH 144)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Kurama (DDH 144) is underway in the Pacific Ocean. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released)

JDS Kurama (DDH 144)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Kurama (DDH 144) is underway in the Pacific Ocean. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released)Ph

JDS Kurama (DDH 144)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Kurama (DDH 144) is underway during a passing exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS Gridley (DDG 101). Stockdale and Gridley are underway with the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group on a deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released)