Captain Brian Spillane, center, presents a gift to

Captain Brian Spillane, center, presents a gift to the soldiers of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force at the conclusion of the Japan Observer Exchange Program (JOEP) at Camp Hansen, Aug. 7. The JGSDF soldiers integrated with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit as part JOEP since June 23. The involvement of the JGSDF soldiers in the MEU’s regularly-scheduled training comes in response to the April 2012 U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee, also known as the 2+2, statement calling for the enhancement of the Asia-Pacific Region’s security and defense cooperation. Spillane, a native of Rochester, New York, is the commanding officer of Company L, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st MEU. The 31st MEU is the Nation’s force in readiness for the Asia Pacific region and is the only continuously forward deployed MEU.