A Japan Coast Guard AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter aircrew and crews aboard the Japan Coast Guard patrol craft Satsukaze prepare to conduct a joint search-and-rescue exercise with U.S. Coast Guard Kimball (WMSL 756) crews in Kagoshima Bay, Japan, with U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball’s (WMSL 756) crews, Feb. 14, 2023. Kimball’s crew are in Kagoshima to conduct joint training and professional exchanges with members of the Japan Coast Guard, expanding on a memorandum of cooperation signed in 2022 between the two sea services, which established Operation SAPPHIRE, a perpetual operation to strengthen relationships, increase bilateral engagements, and focus on maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.