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220601-O-NR876-753 SASEBO, Japan (June 1, 2022) Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Vice Adm. FUKUDA Tatsuya, commander, Fleet Escort Force, arrives aboard the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18). Charleston, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th 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 region. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. James French)