210115-N-MQ442-1097

PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 15, 2021) – The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Kongo-class guided-missile destroyer JS Kongo (DDG 173), front, and JMSDF Asahi-class destroyer JS Asahi (DD 119) transit the Pacific Ocean Jan. 15, 2021 with the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. As the U.S. Navy's largest forward deployed fleet, with its approximate 50-70 ships and submarines, 140 aircraft, and 20,000 Sailors in the area of operations at any given time, 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests throughout a free and open Indo-Pacific area of operations to foster maritime security, promote stability, and prevent conflict alongside 35 other maritime nations and partners.