181010-N-XK398-1110 SUBIC BAY, Republic of the Philippines

181010-N-XK398-1110 SUBIC BAY, Republic of the Philippines (Oct. 10, 2018) The amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) prepares to conduct final AAV-P7/A1 assault amphibious vehicle operations with soldiers from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) during KAMANDAG 2. KAMANDAG 2 is a military training exercise led by Philippines between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military, along with participants from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force featuring military-to-military exchanges through various training events, capabilities development training, and humanitarian and civic assistance projects. KAMANDAG is an acronym for the Filipino phrase “Kaagapay Ng Mga Mandirigma Ng Dagat,” which translates to “Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea,” highlighting the partnership between the Philippine and United States Militaries. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Mortensen)