MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan. U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Stuart Griffiths, an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft pilot (left), and Capt. Raymond Rickenbach, an F/A-18D Hornet weapons system officer (right), both with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533, conduct preflight checks at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 28, 2022. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, VMFA-242 and VMFA(AW)-533 conducted a live-fire missile exercise to increase weapon proficiency and enhance squadronsÕ combat readiness in the air-to-air environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Gabriel Durand)MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan. U.S. Marines with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533 transport an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 28, 2022. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, VMFA-242 and VMFA(AW)-533 conducted a live-fire missile exercise to increase weapon proficiency and enhance squadronsÕ combat readiness in the air-to-air environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Gabriel Durand)YOKOSUKA, Japan. Vice President Kamala Harris addresses Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) during her visit to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). The vice presidentÕs tour of the ship and her remarks to U.S. Sailors highlight the administrationÕs continued commitment to its alliances in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Darren Cordoviz)SEA OF JAPAN . The U.S. NavyÕs only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65), the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), Republic of Korea (ROK) navy Gwanggaeto the Great-class destroyers ROKS Gwanggaeto the Great (DDH 971), ROKS Munmu the Great (DDH 976) and the Incheon-class frigate ROKS Gangwon (FFG 815), steam in formation in waters east of the Korean Peninsula. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is participating with the ROK Navy in Maritime Counter Special Operations Exercise (MCSOFEX) to strengthen interoperability and training. The U.S. routinely conducts CSG operations in the waters around the ROK to exercise maritime maneuvers, strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance, and improve regional security. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gray Gibson)
