Japan, U.S. Navies Conduct Bilateral Maritime Exercise

SOUTH CHINA SEA (December 7, 2023) - The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) steams with the Murasame-class general-purpose destroyer JS Ikazuchi (DD 107) in the South China Sea, Dec 7. The bilateral maritime exercise between U.S. and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces demonstrated combined capabilities to counter regional threats and maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Gabrielle Giffords, part of Commander, Destroyer Squadron 7, is a rotational deployment operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.