Vice Adm. Robert Thomas & Vice Adm. Yasushi Matsushita

PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 28, 2013) Vice Adm. Robert Thomas, commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet, right, and Vice Adm. Yasushi Matsushita, commander in chief, Japan Self-Defense Fleet, wave to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Helicopter Destroyer JS Hyuga (DDH) 181 from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during Annual Exercise (AE) 13. AE13 is designed to increase the defensive readiness and interoperability of Japanese and U.S. naval forces through training in air and sea operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Liam Kennedy/Released)