190205-N-ZL062-1017

EAST CHINA SEA (Feb. 5, 2019) Commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer (center), and Commander in Chief of Self Defense Fleet, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), Vice Adm. Kazuki Yamashita (right) meets with the Commanding Officer of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), Capt. Colby Howard, during a visit between U.S. and Japan military officials to observe amphibious operations at sea. Wasp, flagship of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency.