U.S. Navy Sailors from the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) conduct bilateral training with Sailors from the Japanese Murasame-class destroyer Akebono (DD 108) in the Gulf of Aden, Nov. 25, 2023. Sailors from both ships trained on VBSS procedures, helicopter operations, and division tactic exercises, increasing interoperability between the two allies. As part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG), the Mason is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Samantha Alaman)