PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 5, 2010) – USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) refuels Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Japanese destroyers JS Ikazuchi (DD 107) and JS Kongo (DDG 173). The ships are participating in Keen Sword 2011 with the JMSDF. The biennial Keen Sword brings together 34,000 Japanese troops and 10,000 U.S. service members, plus a combined 430 aircraft and 60 ships for missile-defense and other air, land and sea operations, as service members will practice responding to a wide range of situations, including the defense of the region and reacting to a simulated contingency situation affecting Japan, within a realistic training environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles Oki)
Essex
