USS Ronald Reagan and JS Izumo sail together in the South China Sea.

The U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) participated in a cooperative deployment with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) vessels JS Izumo (DH-183), JS Murasame (DD-101) and JS Akebono (DD-108) on June 10-12.

The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), left, operates in the South China Sea with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) helicopter destroyer JS Izumo (DDH 183), June 11, 2019 (Picture Source: U.S. Navy photo courtesy of JMSDF)

USS Reagan, JS Izumo, JS Akebono, and JS Murasame conducted communication checks, tactical manoeuvring drills and liaison officer exchanges designed to address common maritime security priorities and enhance interoperability at sea.

“Having a Japanese liaison officer aboard to coordinate our underway operations has been beneficial and efficient,” said Lt. Mike Malakowsky, a tactical actions officer aboard Ronald Reagan. “As we continue to operate together with the JMSDF, it makes us a cohesive unit. They are an integral part of our Strike Group that doubles our capability to respond to any situation.”

The U.S. Navy and the JMSDF regularly fly, sail and operate together with other allies and partners to promote security and stability throughout the region of the China Sea, and especially of the South China Sea, where China continuously increases its presence and operations.

"The time we are able to spend at sea training and operating with our partners in the Japan Self Defense Forces is invaluable," said Capt. Pat Hannifin, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer. “Our alliance has never been stronger, and it’s never been more important to this region than right now."

USS Ronald Reagan, the flagship of U.S. Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific Region (IOR).