170317-N-PP996-095

170317-N-PP996-095 SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 17, 2017) Sailors watch from the port bridge wing as the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Akizuki-class destroyer JS Teruzuki (DD 116) conducts a passing exercise with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112). Michael Murphy is on a scheduled western Pacific deployment with the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of U.S. 3rd Fleet. U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike groups have patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific regularly and routinely for more than 70 years. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Danny Kelley/Released)