ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, Virginia -- Gen. Koji Yamazaki, chief of staff, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paid tribute to those who have lost their lives fighting for the United States during an Army Full Honors Wreath-Laying ceremony hosted by Maj. Gen. Michael L. Howard, commanding general, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital General/U.S. Army Military District of Washington at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, July 10, 2018.

Prior to the wreath laying, Yamazaki was presented with the Legion of Merit by Gen. Mark A. Milley, U.S. Army Chief of Staff and inspected troops from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) during an arrival ceremony on Whipple Field, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia.

Yamazaki played an indispensable role in transforming the Japan Ground Self Defense Force by overseeing the establishment of the Ground Component Command, the reorganization of the institutional training and the activation of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade.

Yamazaki was in the Nation's Capital to meet with senior leaders and discuss matter of mutual interest between the two allies.