PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 5, 2010) The Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) refuels the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers Ikazuchi (DD-107) and Kongo (DDG-173). Ikazuchi and Kongo are participating with the George Washington Carrier Strike Group in Keen Sword 2011 through Dec. 10. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles Oki)
H/T Marc
This is the perfect photo to release at this time. Japan is calibrating its response to Korean bullying with impressive sophistication. Given their history they cannot step out front. They are backing South Korea in ways that the Chinese and DPRK will be hard pressed to use in a propaganda campaign. Instead they are upgrading their capabilities and proving that they will participate in collective defense.
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