Freedom Edge 26 concludes, advancing trilateral readiness across the Indo-Pacific

260910-N-JJ672-1114.JPG Photo By: Courtesy

Sep 11, 2026

WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN - U.S. Navy Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Alexander Carabajal stands watch on the starboard bridge wing aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) while Republic of Korea Navy Sejong the Great-class guided-missile destroyer ROKS Yulgok Yi I (DDG 992) steams alongside during a maritime maneuvering exercise with Republic of Korea Navy and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force in the Western Pacific Ocean, Sept. 10, 2026, in support of Freedom Edge 26. Trilateral exercises and operations like Freedom Edge demonstrate our continued partnership and the growth of our trilateral cooperation to ensure peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. Benfold is forward deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Oscar Diaz)

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