U.S. Marines, JMSDF Sailors reinforce maritime readiness during Rescue Flag 26-1

U.S. Marines, Airmen, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force members and Japan Air Self-Defense force members executed Rescue Flag 26-1 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, Japan, Aug. 26, 2026. The bilateral exercise allowed U.S. and JMSDF service members to practice open-water recovery methods, communication protocols, and supply distribution techniques under simulated crisis conditions in response to future maritime emergencies.

 (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Alejandra Vega)