Maj. Gen. Mitsuhiko Horikiri, vice chief of staff

Maj. Gen. Mitsuhiko Horikiri, vice chief of staff (international), Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Central Readiness Force and Lt. Col. Frank E. Hopkins (left), deputy commander, 303rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, meet during Exercise Imua Dawn 2016, Sagamihara Depot, Japan, June 18, 2016. Imua Dawn 2016 provides opportunities for U.S. and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to come together and train for potential real world events, better preparing them in supporting regional populations in all Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Noncombatant Evacuation Operations (NEO). The U.S. military and Japanese forces have a longstanding relationship that is committed and has contributed to regional security and stability in the Pacific region.