Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force personnel and U.S. Coast Guard members saluting during the national anthems being played at the Memorial Park welcome ceremony in Dutch Harbor, Unalaska, June 6, 2023.
Crews from U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750), Japanese Ship Kashima, and Japanese Ship Hatakaze hosted each other for tours and participated in athletic events while moored at Dutch Harbor in Unalaska June 5th and 6th, 2023.
The U.S. Coast Guard has a long-standing relationship of interoperability with Japan through operations like North Pacific Guard and training exercises, leading to a continued free and open Pacific. Engagement with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force demonstrates unity and strengthens rule-based order in the North Pacific. - U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Cmdr. Scott McCann