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

260910-N-JJ672-1276.JPG Photo By: Courtesy

Sep 11, 2026

WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN - U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) steams in formation with Republic of Korea Navy Sejong the Great-class guided-missile destroyers ROKS Seoae Ryu Seong-Ryong (DDG 993), far left, ROKS Yulgok Yi (DDG 177), far right, Cheonji-class fast combat support ship ROKS Cheonji (AOE 57), center left, and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Atago-class guided-missile destroyer JMDFS Atago (DDG 177) during a maritime maneuvering exercise 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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