Purposes Alike

by Cpl. Atticus Martinez

02 September 2021 PALAU -- 210902-M-EH070-1009 The USS Jackson (LCS 6) sails alongside the Japanese Ships Kaga, Murasame, and Shiranui through the Malakal Passage, Republic of Palau, Sept. 2, 2021. Jackson, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven is on a rotational deployment operating in the U.S. Seventh Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Kaga, Murasame, and Shiranui are part of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense force, which is part of the Indo-Pacific Deployment Unit. The Japanese vessels were in the Republic of Palau to conduct a goodwill exercise with the Palauan Patrol Ships Kedam and Remelik II. The three countries share a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Atticus Martinez)