180612-N-MW694-0216 YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 12, 2018)

180612-N-MW694-0216 YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 12, 2018) Rear Adm. Gregory Fenton, Commander, Naval Forces Japan, speaks during the Pacific Partnership 2018 (PP18) mission stop Japan opening reception aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), June 12. Mercy is currently deployed in support of PP18. PP18’s mission is to work collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase stability and security in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships across the Indo-Pacific Region. Pacific Partnership, now in its 13th iteration, is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Caledon Rabbipal/Released)