Freedom Edge 26 concludes, advancing trilateral readiness across the Indo-Pacific

Left to right, Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) Sejong the Great-class guided-missile destroyer ROKS Yulgok Yi (DDG 177), Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Atago-class guided-missile destroyer JS Atago (DDG 177), ROKN Cheonji-class fast combat support ship ROKS Cheonji (AOE 57), front, U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65), back, ROKN Sejong the Great-class guided-missile destroyer ROKS Seoae Ryu Seong-Ryong (DDG 993), and JMSDF Asahi-class destroyer JS Asahi (DD 119) sail in formation during a maritime maneuvering exercise in the Western Pacific Ocean, Sept. 10, 2026, in support of Freedom Edge 26. Trilateral exercises and operations like Freedom Edge demonstrate our continued partnership and the growth of our trilateral cooperation to ensure peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. Benfold is forward deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (Courtesy Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Goto Tamon, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force)