The combined color guard for Yama Sakura 87, comprised of the Australian Defence Force, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and the U.S. Army, posts the national colors during the opening ceremony rehearsal at Camp Asaka, Japan, Dec. 5, 2024. The exercise serves as a cornerstone of Operation Pathways, the U.S. Army Pacific's premier series of exercises demonstrating America's commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michael Graf)