201101-M-CG913-1218

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 1, 2020) U.S. Marines depart the dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) to teamwith Japan’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade to conduct an amphibious assault on Gaja Jima, a small island off the coast of mainland Japan, as part of Keen Sword Nov. 1, 2020. Japan Self-Defense Force CH-47JA Chinooks touched down delivering streams of ARDB troops while U.S. Marines hit the beach via small boats briskly navigating over the horizon from the USS Ashland. ARDB members took point alongside Marines with 1 Battalion, 3d Marine Regiment arriving from the air and sea in the amphibious operation. This mission showcased a combined ability to seize territory threatened by an adversary, defend key maritime terrain, and establish expeditionary advanced bases for follow-on operations through swift, integrated, and lethal action. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Scott Aubuchon)