U.S., Japan, Republic of Korea sail together during Exercise Freedom Edge in U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations

U.S. 7th FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Sept. 16, 2025) – Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga (DDH 181) sails in formation with U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) in support of Exercise Freedom Edge 25 in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, Sept. 16. Trilateral exercises like Freedom Edge demonstrate our shared commitment to achieve and maintain peace in the Asia-Pacific. U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Charles Oki)