The Coast Guard concluded a search and rescue exercise (SAREX) with the
Japan Coast Guard training vessel Kojima off the coast of San Diego, May 14, 2023. The SAREX is part of Operation Sapphire which was established through a memorandum of cooperation in 2022 between the U.S. and Japan Coast Guards as 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 Petty Officer 3rd Class Alex Gray)