The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Takami class minesweeper OKITSU (MSC 646), foreground, the amphibious command ship USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19), left, background, and the amphibious cargo ship USS ST. LOUIS (LKA 116) are moored at a pier. Several JMSDF vessels have returned to the area after serving in the Persian Gulf area while the U.S. Navy ships are in the region to take part in exercise Valiant Blitz '91