WHITE BEACH, Okinawa (May 24, 2007) - Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Lt. Gen. Joseph Weber talks with Marines deploying with USS Essex (LHD 2) in support of Exercise Talisman Saber 2007. The training exercise, will involve more than 20,000 U.S. and 12,000 Australian personnel. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Didier

USS TORTUGA (LSD 46), Okinawa, Japan – Student from Zion Christian Academy paid a special visit to USS Tortuga (LSD 46) and was able to tour the ship while in port conducting an on load of equipment from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Tortuga (LSD 46) is a dock landing ship serving under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76, the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force. ESG 7/Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

USS TORTUGA (LSD 46), Okinawa, Japan – Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Todd A Lewis tsalks to student from Zion Christian Academy during thier visit to USS Tortuga (LSD 46) and was able to tour the ship while in port conducting an on load of equipment from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Tortuga (LSD 46) is a dock landing ship serving under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76, the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force. ESG 7/Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 20, 2007) - Two landing craft air cushions prepare to enter the well deck of dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46). Tortuga is serving under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76, the NavyÕs only permanently forward-deployed amphibious force. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brandon Myrick

Shimoda, Japan (May 19, 2007) - Crewmembers from the Arleigh-Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) march past flag waving children in a parade during the 68th annual Shimoda Black Ship Festival. The Black Ship Festival celebrates the anniversary of Commodore Matthew Perry's landing at Shimoda in 1854, the signing of the Japan-American Treaty of Trade and Amity, and the opening of the port to the Western World. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew R. White

USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63), At Sea (May 18, 2007) – Capt. Ed McNamee, USS Kitty Hawk’s (CV 63) 33rd commanding officer renders a salute while passing through sidebuoys following a change of command ceremony on the flight deck May 18. McNamee’s 23-month tour was highlighted by Valiant Shield 2006, joint training exercises with allied nations and an accelerated dry-dock period. McNamee departed Kitty Hawk that afternoon and will report to the Chief of Naval Operations staff in Washington D.C. Kitty Hawk operates out of Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. Kitty Hawk operates out of Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hana’lei Shimana

Shimoda, Japan (May 18, 2007) - U.S. 7th Fleet Bandmaster Lt. Walt Cline recieves a bouquet of flowers from local school children after the band's performance prior during the 68th annual Shimoda Black Ship Festival. The band played before a wreath laying ceremony, which honored the Sailors who died during Commodore Matthew Perry's 1854 journey to Shimoda. The historical trip opened the port -- and Japan -- to the Western world. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew R. White