SSMith PacFleet

110317-N-3999C-0263 OMINATO, Japan (March 17, 2011) – During colors on board USS Tortuga (LSD 46) a member of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) stands at attention on the flight deck to salute the national ensign. Immediately after colors, he turned to Tortuga Sailors and said, “Thank you.”Tortuga loaded more than 80 JGSDF vehicles onto their ship to transport from Tomakomai Ko to Ominato. Tortuga is currently in the 7th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Tomodachi. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. K. Madison Carter/Released)