Between May 2 and May 8, 2019, warships from the United States Navy, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the Philippines Navy, and the Indian Navy sailed together for the first time in a four-way event demonstrating presence and cooperation. Six vessels were present for the transit through disputed international waters in the South China Sea. The U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence participated. Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force sent the lead ship of the Izumo-class of helicopter destroyer, JS Izumo, in addition to JS Murasame, a destroyer. Two warships of the Indian Navy returning from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy’s recent fleet review, namely the guided-missile destroyer INS Kolkata and INS Shakti participated in the exercise. Prior to their participation in the International Fleet Review, both warships had engaged in a bilateral exercise with Vietnam. The Philippine Navy sent BRP Andres Bonifacio, a patrol ship. A U.S. Navy 7th Fleet release noted “The ships conducted formation exercises, communication drills, passenger transfers and held a leadership exchange aboard JS Izumo.”
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