240912-N-TW227-1354

The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), left, operates in formation alongside the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) tank landing ship JS Shimokita (LST-4002), bottom right, and a JMSDF landing craft, air cushion vessel, upper right, in the Kuroshio Current as part of Transport Exercise (TRANSPORTEX), Sept. 12, 2024. TRANSPORTEX is a humanitarian aid and disaster relief exercise, further enhancing interoperability between the U.S. Navy and JMSDF, enabling a combined rapid response force in the event of crisis or natural disaster. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 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 Seaman Kenneth Melseth)