231107-N-JO823-1180

PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 7, 2023) The Nimitz-class aircraft carriers USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), back top, and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) steam in formation with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) first-in-class helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga (DDH 181), front, as the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Antietam (CG 54) and USS Robert Smalls (CG 62) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS Kidd (DDG 100) break away from formation during the Multi-Large Deck Exercise (MLDE) in the Philippine Sea, Nov. 7, 2023. Ronald Reagan is participating in the bilateral MLDE, which features the ships and aircraft of JMSDF Escort Flotilla 3, as well as the U.S. Navy’s Carrier Strike Group 1 and Carrier Strike Group 5. MLDE is a multi-domain event that grows the already strong partnership and interoperability that exists between the JMSDF and U.S. Navy today. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Natasha ChevalierLosada)