STRAIT of MALACCA -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) and the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Izumo-class helicopter destroyer JS Izumo (DDH 183) and Murasame-class destroyer JS Murasame (DD 101) conducted a cooperative deployment in the Strait of Malacca, May 18.

The U.S. Navy ship and JMSDF ships participated in communication drills, working together to increase their efficiency and interoperability while at sea. The cooperative deployment follows both countries ship’s participating in the International Maritime Defense Exposition (IMDEX) in Singapore.

"By operating, training, and exchanging with the JMSDF we are building upon our interoperability and our vital alliance," said Cmdr. Andrew Klug, commanding officer, USS William P. Lawrence. “Seamless coordination between regional allies deters aggression and promotes regional peace, stability and prosperity.”

William P. Lawrence is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.