Japan Coast Guard Vessel Yashima

PORT ANGELES, Wash. - Shingo Horie, left, a quarter master in the Japan Cost Guard, plays a Sanshin, a Japanese 3 strings guitar, originated in Okinawa prefecture, while Daichi Izumi, also a quarter master, plays a Shakuhachi, a a Japanese Bamboo flute introduced in Japan in 7th centry, before a crowd of visiting dignitaries aboard the Japan Coast Guard vessel Yashima as part of Pacific Unity 2009 exercise, Aug. 24, 2009. Pacific Unity 2009 is a coordinated North Pacific Coast Guard Forum scenario that is focused on demonstrating the partner nations' ability to provide maritime assets during an exercise occurring in the Pacific Northwest. Japan, Russia, Canada and the United States are sending vessels to take part in the evolutions while two members of the forum; China and South Korea will participate as observers. Specifically, the partner nations will be coordinating simulated search and rescue, aids to navigation, law enforcement and security operations during the three-day event. In addition, there will be opportunities for the crews participating to join together in social and cultural events aimed at building camaraderie and teamwork. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns