230222-N-GR847-2031

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Feb. 22, 2023) - Commander, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Self-Defense Fleet, Vice Adm. SAITO Akira, speaks during a tri-lateral meeting with Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, and Republic of Korea Navy Fleet Commander, Vice Adm. Kim Myung-soo, aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), Feb. 22. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Reymundo A. Villegas III)