U.S. Marine Capt. Ryan Hawley coordinates air support missions with Maj. Higaharu Kobayashi during Yama Sakura 75 on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 13, 2018. Yama Sakura focuses on the development and refinement of Japan Self-Defense Force and U.S. military bilateral efforts in the areas of coordination, interoperability, and planning through training. Hawley is a firepower controller with 2nd Brigade platoon, 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company. Kobayashi is an air force coordinator with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Air Defense Command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Timothy Valero) - Photo

Brigadier General Christopher A. McPhillips, Commanding General, 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade, and Major General Shinichi Aoki, Deputy Chief of Staff, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Western Army, stand side by side at Camp Cortney, Okinawa, Japan, December 5, 2017. - Brigadier General Christopher A. McPhillips, Commanding General, 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade, and Major General Shinichi Aoki, Deputy Chief of Staff, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Western Army, stand side by side at Camp Cortney, Okinawa, Japan, December 5, 2017. The purpose of the exercise is to enhance U.S. and Japanese combat readiness and interoperability while strengthening bilateral relationships and demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. 3D MEB and JGSDF participation in YS 73 in Okinawa is in support of the U.S. Army Pacific and JGSDF North Eastern Army main effort at Camp Sendai, Sendai, Japan. During the exercise, U.S. military members and JGSDF members exchange ideas, tactics, techniques, military experiences and culture.