 The demonstration of an F-35B aircraft landing on and taking off from the JS Izumo showcases a more capable and dynamic U.S.-Japan alliance. Such a feat may seem like a simple event to an outside observer. However, behind the scenes and through multiple levels of coordination, our two militaries operated like a cohesive alliance should. Not only did the JS Izumo perform as she has been modified to do, but our U.S.-Japan alliance performed as it has been designed to do as well. This is a milestone event as the U.S.-Japan alliance becomes more agile, more capable, and more ready to ensure mutual security of Japan and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.