PHILIPPINE SEA - The Ronald Reagan Strike Group and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) helicopter destroyer JS Izumo (DDH 183) conducted maritime operations during a cooperative deployment in the Philippine Sea, Oct. 9-10.

During the cooperative deployment the Ronald Reagan Strike Group units and Izumo conducted maneuvering exercises, communications exercises and divisional training to promote interoperability among the two maritime forces.

Chiefs from Izumo and Escort Division 11 embarked the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and were given tours of the ship’s mess decks, medical facilities and watched fixed-wing flight operations.

“It was an absolute honor and privilege to sail with Izumo again,” said Command Master Chief Jason Haka, the command master chief for commander, Task Force 70. “Every time we work with the JMSDF, we strengthen our partnership in this area of operations, and working together helps us better integrate when we need to.”

Units in the Ronald Reagan Strike Group include Ronald Reagan, the guided-missile cruisers USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and USS Antietam (CG 54), and guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65).

The Ronald Reagan Strike Group is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.