PHILIPPINE SEA -- The Ronald Reagan Strike Group and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga (DDH 181) conducted a cooperative deployment while operating in the Philippine Sea, Nov. 28-Dec. 5.

Hyuga is a helicopter destroyer assigned to Commander, Escort Division 3. During the cooperative deployment, the strike group along with Hyuga participated in communication exercises, cyber exercises and naval liaison officers from the JMSDF embarked aboard strike group units.

While aboard aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), naval liaison officers and staff from Commander, Escort Division 3 integrated with Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and Commander, Task Force 70 staffs to coordinate bilateral training and operations underway.

"Every time we operate with the JMSDF, it improves the way our forces work together." said Capt. Steven DeMoss, deputy commodore, DESRON 15. "We have no closer partner in the Indo-Pacific; it has been exciting to watch our alliance grow increasingly stronger in the face of growing threats in the western Pacific."

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.