Sergeant Masafumi Ueno (left) and Lance Cpl. Colby

Sergeant Masafumi Ueno (left) and Lance Cpl. Colby Norwood post security while practicing small unit level techniques and procedures as part of the Japan Observer Exchange Program at Kin Blue beach here, July 16. Ueno is a scout swimmer with Japan Ground Self Defense Force’s Western Army and a native of Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, and Norwood is a scout swimmer with Company L, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Zachary, Louisiana. The JGSDF soldiers have been observing L Co. for approximately six weeks. JOEP enables the JGSDF observation and education of small unit concepts, tactics, and amphibious operations to further enhance the interoperability of the two forces and security of the region. (U.S. Marine Photo by Cpl. Henry Antenor)