PHILIPPINE SEA -- The guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JSMDF) destroyers JS Ariake (DD 109) and JS Asahi (DD 119) conducted operations together in the Philippine Sea, May 29.

At sea, Curtis Wilbur, Ariake, and Asahi conducted communication checks, tactical maneuvering drills, and an anti-submarine warfare exercise designed to address common maritime security priorities and enhance interoperability.

"Sailing and operating together is vital to maintaining the communication and cooperation that a strong alliance depends upon,” said Cmdr. Zachary King, Curtis Wilbur’s commanding officer.

“These operations allow both our forces to learn from one another, build confidence in our abilities to quickly integrate and operate at sea and further strengthen this critical partnership.”

The cooperative deployment follows Pacific Vanguard, the first of its kind quadrilateral exercise between Australia, Japan, Republic of Korea, and U.S. Naval forces May. 23-27. PACVAN focused on improving the capabilities of participating countries to respond together to crisis and contingencies in the region.

The U.S. Navy regularly flies, sails, and operates with allies and partners, both bilaterally and multilaterally to promote security and stability throughout the region. Curtis Wilbur is forward deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the IndoPacific region.