The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force hosts an annual gathering of naval forces from around the world with goal of strengthening their communications, coordination and operational tactics. In 2021 five countries participated, JMSDF, Canada, Germany, Royal Australian Navy and the USN. These operations were carried out in the Philippine Sea between November 21-30, 2021. One group representing the USN was VFA-147 Argonauts onboard the USS Carl Vinson. The F-35C 169304 of VFA-147 that took part in ANNUALEX 2021 was lost on January 24, 2022 due to pilot error.