U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Marine Division, and Soldiers with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, shake hands with their counter parts after the opening ceremony for exercise Forest Light 19.1, in Hijyudai Maneuver Area, Japan, on Dec. 7, 2018. This is the first time in 13 years that the reserve unit 2/23 is active and deployed to the Indo-Pacific region. They will conduct multiple bilateral training exercises in various countries to improve their combat readiness and strengthen international relationships. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christine Phelps) - U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Marine Division, and Soldiers with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, shake hands with their counter parts after the opening ceremony for exercise Forest Light 19.1, in Hijyudai Maneuver Area, Japan, on Dec. 7, 2018. This is the first time in 13 years that the reserve unit 2/23 is active and deployed to the Indo-Pacific region. They will conduct multiple bilateral training exercises in various countries to improve their combat readiness and strengthen international relationships. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christine Phelps)