PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 10, 2021) Lt. Geoff Girolamo, from Grosse Ile, Mich., checks paperwork in preparation for a surgery to be performed by Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 7 aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelby Sanders)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing refuels a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler during a sortie over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2, June 13, 2022. RFA serves as an ideal platform for international engagement, and the exercise has a long history of including allies and partners, ultimately enabling all involved to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan)

A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom helicopter, left, and an AH-1Z Viper helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, land aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) after an amphibious assault exercise, part of Super Garuda Shield 2024, in the Java Sea, Sept. 5, 2024. AMPHIBEX was conducted to demonstrate multilateral amphibious capabilities through interoperability, while providing simulated air support and escort operations. Super Garuda Shield is an annual exercise that has significantly grown in scope and size since 2009. Super Garuda Shield 2024 is the third consecutive time this exercise has grown into a combined and joint event, focused on commitment to partnership and a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo By Cpl. Osmar Gutierrez)

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Alex Kupratty, the command sergeant major of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, conducts airborne operations aboard a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, June 15, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing refuels a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler during a sortie over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2, June 13, 2022. RFA serves as an ideal platform for international engagement, and the exercise has a long history of including allies and partners, ultimately enabling all involved to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan)

A F-15SG Strike Eagle assigned to the Republic of Singapore Air Force receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2, June 10, 2022. The JPARC airspace provides a realistic training environment, allowing Airmen and the Republic of Singapore Air Force to train for full spectrum engagement, ranging from individual skills to complex, large-scale joint engagement. The Strike Eagles are assigned to the 428th Fighter Squadron, RSAF, and a Stratotanker is assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Thomas Swinchowski, a pilot assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, flies a C-130J Super Hercules during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, June 15, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan)

Ready to #StrikeHard -

Our #TropicThunder team is continually honing our craft, and enhancing interoperability with key partners.

America Battery/ 1-12 Marine Aviation Regiment @kingsandqueensofbattle @hmh463official and Copperhead Battery/ @3_7_fieldartillery conducted a night artillery raid in order to simulate the execution of a joint strike against a high value target during Exercise Steel Crucible. Schofield Barracks, HI.

: SPC Jessica Scott

#TrainedandReady #AmericasPacificDivision #TropicLightning #25thInfantryDivision #Ready2Fight #DayAndNight #WeOwnTheNight #Interoperability #Readiness #Lethality #Partnership #JointPartners #FreeandOpenIndoPacific

A F-15SG Strike Eagle assigned to the Republic of Singapore Air Force receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2, June 10, 2022. The JPARC airspace provides a realistic training environment, allowing Airmen and the Republic of Singapore Air Force to train for full spectrum engagement, ranging from individual skills to complex, large-scale joint engagement. The Strike Eagles are assigned to the 428th Fighter Squadron, RSAF, and a Stratotanker is assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Grant Foslien, a 934th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Air Reserve Station, Minnesota, prepares to marshall a 96th Airlift Squadron C-130H Hercules after a sortie during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 14, 2022. RF-A 22-2 provides realistic combat training in a simulated environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Julia Lebens)

Coast Guard members from the Coast Guard Cutter Munro conduct training on the cutter's over the horizon boat in the Pacific Ocean, July 28, 2019. Training enables crews to maintain operational proficiency and meet training quotas. The Munro and its crew deployed to the Western Pacific, patrolling and conducting operations while strengthening partnerships with allies in the region. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Marine Corps Sgt. Kevin G. Rivas)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Thomas Swinchowski and Capt. Daniel Carr, both pilots assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, flies a C-130J Super Hercules during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, June 15, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan)

The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro participates in a maritime engagement with the Philippine Coast Guard off the coast of the Philippines Aug. 31, 2021. Munro’s crew participated in bilateral operations, professional exchanges, search-and-rescue and communications exercises, small boat operations, multi-vessel maneuvering, and maritime domain awareness drills while at sea. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Marine Corps Sgt. Kevin G. Rivas)

The 168th Wing KC-135s line up in 10 degrees below zero weather to form a polar bear formation on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Dec 2, 2023. The polar bear charge was a demonstration of the wing’s ability to rapidly generate combat airpower, showcasing the U.S. Air Force's strength in the Arctic. The 168 WG polar bear team generated combat air power as part of a polar bear charge to demonstrate deterrence, showcasing Arctic expertise. The generation of combat airpower in the Arctic requires people with experience and expertise. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 24, 2025) An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, prepares to land on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during exercise Northern Edge (NE25). NE25 is an exercise led by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command that serves as a platform for joint, multi-domain operations to deliver high-end, realistic warfighter training, strengthen joint interoperability, and sharpen the air and sea-based combat readiness of U.S. and participating forces. (Courtesy photo)

A U.S Army paratrooper from the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division prepares for airborne operations during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 15, 2022. RF-A provides training for deployed maintenance and support personnel in sustainment of large-force deployed air operations. (U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Julia Lebens)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing flies over the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, flight line while RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 takes place Oct. 13, 2022. In addition to providing a training location for RF-A 23-1, JBER provides air sovereignty, combat training, force staging and through output operations in support of worldwide contingencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Julia Lebens)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 25, 2020) Hospitalman Leriz Pineda, right, from Fairfield, Calif., and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Eric Hayford, from Cleveland, test for blood type aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven 7, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelby Sanders)

U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Ollney Ho'opai III and Capt. Colin Chow Hoy, 204th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III pilots prepare for landing during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-1 support, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 28, 2023. Realistic training exercises with our allies and partners, like JPMRC, strengthen defense relationships, foster multinational interoperability, generate readiness, and combat-credible fighter formations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy)

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III based out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam prepares for landing during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-1, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 28, 2023. Realistic training exercises with our allies and partners, like JPMRC, strengthen defense relationships, foster multinational interoperability, generate readiness, and combat-credible fighter formations. JPMRC 24-1 includes over 5,300 training participants from across the U.S. Joint Force, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and Thailand. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy)

Two U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortesses assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing prepare for take off at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 26, 2023. The U.S. routinely and visibly demonstrates commitment to Allies and partners through the global employment of our military force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Wesley Zech, a loadmaster assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, assists airborne operations aboard a C-130J Super Hercules during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, June 15, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 2, 2020) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class J Francisco, an independent duty corpsman with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), from Stockton, Calif., left, and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Brian Cabrera, an independent duty corpsman with Combat Logistics Battalion, 31st MEU, from Springfield, Mass., both members of the COVID-19 Rapid Response Team (CRRT) aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), prepare contact tracing logs on the flight deck during a ship-wide CRRT drill. Germantown, part the of America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, conduct airborne operations aboard a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, June 15, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan)

Participants march during a “Victory in Europe Day” World War II remembrance ceremony outside the Haut-commissariat de la République Tahiti, French Polynesia, May 8, 2022. The ceremony kicks off Marara 22, a multinational training that advances partners’ abilities to address complex and future contingencies throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Avallone)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 10, 2021) Lt. Cmdr. Marissa Mayor, from Mesa, Ariz., performs a routine lymph node insicional biopsy surgery aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelby Sanders)

A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, performs dirt strip operations at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, in support of RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2, June 17, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan)

A spectator records video during a “Victory in Europe Day” World War II remembrance ceremony outside the Haut-commissariat de la République Tahiti, French Polynesia, May 8, 2022. The ceremony kicks off the first iteration of exercise Marara 22 at the multinational level. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Avallone)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 2, 2020) Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Clint Woods, from Fairmount, Ind., leader of the COVID-19 Rapid Response Team (CRRT) aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), sets up negative ventilation in a berthing with a box fan during a ship-wide CRRT drill. Germantown, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)

U.S. Air Force Maj Nicholas Reeves, 36th Airlift Squadron C130-J Pilot, stands in formation during a “Victory in Europe Day” World War II remembrance ceremony outside the Haut-commissariat de la République Tahiti, French Polynesia, May 8, 2022. The ceremony kicks off Marara 22, a multinational training exercise which enhances combined interoperability between the U.S. military and France’s Combined Joint Task Force Headquarters in French Polynesia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Avallone)

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, conduct airborne operations aboard a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, June 15, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan)

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro and Japan Coast Guard Patrol Vessel Large Aso, transit together in formation during a maritime engagement in the East China Sea Aug. 25, 2021. U.S. Coast Guard members aboard the Munro deployed to the Western Pacific Ocean to strengthen alliances and partnerships and improve maritime governance and security in the region. (Photo courtesy of Japan Coast Guard)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 2, 2020) Damage Controlman 2nd Class Erik Coffee, from White House, Texas, hangs a box fan with a ‘C’ clamp to create negative ventilation in a berthing aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) during a ship-wide COVID-19 Rapid Response Team drill. Germantown, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)

Ammunition is loaded to a .50 caliber machine gun during a gunnery exercise in the Western Pacific Ocean, Sept. 22, 2021. Coast Guard Cutter Munro is currently deployed to the Western Pacific Ocean to strengthen alliances and partnerships, and improve maritime governance and security in the region. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Marine Corps Sgt. Kevin G. Rivas)

Participants hold flags in preparation for “Victory in Europe Day” a World War II remembrance ceremony outside the Haut-commissariat de la République Tahiti, French Polynesia, May 8, 2022. Exercise Marara 22 will enable USINDOPACOM components to address strategic, readiness, and security cooperation measures by improving mil-to-mil relationships, increasing combined interoperability readiness, and identifying information sharing friction points or gaps, and enhancing HADR response capability development. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Avallone)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 10, 2022) Quartermaster Seaman Apprentice Donovan Kozar, from Erie, Penn., greets the crew of Henry J. Kaiser-class underway replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO-200) in preparation for a replenishment-at-sea aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114). Ralph Johnson is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samantha Oblander)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 24, 2022) Fire Controlman 1st Class Jeffrey Gruel (right), from Billings, Mont., instructs Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Isaac Wright (left), from Milaukie, Ore., during a live-fire exercise aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114). Ralph Johnson is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samantha Oblander)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman John Douglas, a loadmaster assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, assists airborne operations aboard a C-130J Super Hercules during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, June 15, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan)

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Ethan Dorais, a boatswains mate aboard Coast Guard Cutter Munro, searches for a simulated man overboard with members of the Philippine Coast Guard during a search-and-rescue exercise Aug. 31, 2021, in the West Philippine Sea. The search-and-rescue exercise simulated both agencies’ bilateral response to a vessel in distress. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Marine Corps Sgt. Kevin G. Rivas)

Members onboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro man the rails during a maritime engagement with the Indonesia Coast Guard in the Singapore Straight, Sept. 20, 2021. Coast Guard Cutter Munro is currently deployed to the Western Pacific to strengthen alliances and partnerships, and improve maritime governance and security in the region. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Marine Corps Sgt. Kevin G. Rivas)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 25, 2020) Lt. Cmdr Marissa Mayor, right, from the Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7, Fleet Surgical Team, trains Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Peter Munoz, on surgical procedures aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of ESG 7, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelby Sanders)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 12, 2022) Gunner’s Mate Paul Carr, from Lewistown, Mont., cleans an M2HB 50 caliber machine gun aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114). USS Ralph Johnson is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samantha Oblander)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 2, 2020) Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Susie Bennett, an independent duty corpsman with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), from Newark, Calif., center, briefs the COVID-19 Rapid Response Team (CRRT) on the flight deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) during a ship-wide CRRT drill. Germantown, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, conduct airborne operations aboard a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, June 15, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 10, 2021) Lt. Cmdr. Marissa Mayor, left, from Mesa, Ariz., and Hospitalman Victoria Henzler, from Piti, Guam, perform a routine lymph node insicional biopsy surgery aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelby Sanders)

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro steams in formation with Indonesia Coast Guard Vessel KN Pulau Dana during a maritime engagement with the Indonesia Coast Guard in the Singapore Straight, Sept. 20, 2021. Coast Guard Cutter Munro is currently deployed to the Western Pacific Ocean to strengthen alliances and partnerships, and improve maritime governance and security in the region. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Marine Corps. Sgt. Kevin G Rivas)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 2, 2020) Gunnery Sgt. Luckner Desma, with Combat Logistics Battalion, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., answers questions about his contact tracing log during a COVID-19 Rapid Response Team drill aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). Germantown, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 15, 2022) Airman Justice Rankin, from Vicksburg, Miss., poses for a portrait aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114). Ralph Johnson is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samantha Oblander)

A U.S. Air Force KC-46A Pegasaus assigned to the 349th Air Refueling Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, California, takes off during RED FLAG-Alaska 24-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, April 19, 2024. The Indo-Pacific is a top priority for the United States and the DoD; exercises like RF-A display a commitment to ensuring U.S. forces are capable and ready to face the evolving challenges in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Julia Lebens)