230304-M-CZ543-2239

U.S. Marines with the maritime raid force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct a search during a visit, board, search, and seizure exercise aboard the tank landing ship JS Osumi (LST-4001) during Iron Fist 23 in the Pacific Ocean, Mar. 4, 2023. Iron Fist 23 provided an opportunity for the USS America Amphibious Ready Group and the JMSDF to work together in coordinating combined counter-piracy operations at sea. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and the JMSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Marcos A. Alvarado)