DAVAO GULF (June 29, 2019) Lt. Thomas Cummings, assigned to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), communicates with the Philippine Navy from the ship's bridge as Montgomery arrives in Davao City for a scheduled port visit. Fast, agile and mission-focused, littoral combat ships are designed to operate in near-shore environments. Montgomery is on her first deployment and currently deployed to Southeast Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tristin Barth)

SINGAPORE (July 6, 2019) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) sits pierside at Changi Naval Base after arriving as part of a rotational deployment. Montgomery’s arrival in Singapore marks the fourth deployment of littoral combat ships to Southeast Asia. Fast, agile and networked surface combatants, LCS are optimized for operating in the near-shore environments. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tristin Barth)

STRAIT OF MALACCA (Aug. 16, 2019) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Millinocket (T-EPF 3) and Royal Malaysian Navy Kasturi-class corvette KD Gagah Samudera (FSG 271) sail together with other participating ships during Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Malaysia. MTA Malaysia 2019 is a continuation of 25 years of maritime engagements between the U.S. Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy serving to enhance mutual capabilities in ensuring maritime security and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tristin Barth)

SAN DIEGO (April. 18, 2022) Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) sails in San Diego Bay Channel. LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt.j.g. Samuel Hardgrove)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 28, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ships USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), bottom, and USS Montgomery (LCS 8) operate in the South China Sea, accompanied by an MH-60S Sea Hawk of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23. Montgomery and Gabrielle Giffords are on rotational deployments to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (April 23, 2019) The Independence variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) launches a RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) during a missile exercise. Montgomery is underway in the Eastern Pacific conducting routine training. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Morgan K. Nall/released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (April. 17, 2022) An MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter assigned to the "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 hovers over the flight deck of Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) during routine operations in the Eastern Pacific. LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Samuel Hardgrove)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 7, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) conducts routine operations in the South China Sea. Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Lt. j.g Tim Wu)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 7, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) conducts routine operations near Panamanian flagged drillship, West Capella. Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Aircrewmen Helicopter 3rd Class Christopher Fred)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 28, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ships USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), right, and USS Montgomery (LCS 8) operate in the South China Sea, Jan. 28, 2020. Montgomery and Gabrielle Giffords are on rotational deployments to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 28, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ships USS Montgomery (LCS 8) and USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), accompanied by an MH-60S Sea Hawk of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, operate in the South China Sea. Montgomery and Gabrielle Giffords are on rotational deployments conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 28, 2020) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 hovers above the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), Jan. 28, 2020. Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released)

USS Montgomery coming

back by Rainier, on the way

to the Pacific Ocean.

Leaving Portland and

the Rose Festival behind.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 20, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), left, conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the dry-cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3), while an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 is airborne, Jan. 20, 2020. Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 23, 2020) Sailors assigned to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) prepare to refuel an MQ-8B Navy Fire Scout of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 (HSC 23). Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 12, 2020) Sailors assigned to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) remove the tie-downs for an MQ-8B Navy Fire Scout of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 (HSC 23), Jan. 12, 2020. Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 9, 2020) Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class William Cunius, attached to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), performs routine maintenance on an MQ-8B Navy Fire Scout of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 (HSC 23), April 9, 2020. Montgomery, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Hazel Arceo/Released)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 13, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) operates in the South China Sea, Jan. 13, 2020. Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released)

Maneuvering into her slip at Naval Station San Diego

PACIFIC OCEAN (April. 16, 2022) Sailors assigned to the “Wildcards” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 conduct pre-flight checks on an MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter on the flight deck of Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) during routine operations in the Eastern Pacific. LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Samuel Hardgrove)

SONY DSC

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 7, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) conducts routine operations near Panamanian flagged drillship, West Capella. Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Aircrewmen Helicopter 3rd Class Christopher Fred)

STRAIT OF MALACCA (Aug 16, 2019) The U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) sail side-by-side in formation as part of the at-sea portion of Maritime Training Activity (MTA) 2019. U.S. assets featured include the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752), expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Millinocket (T-EPF 3), an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter and a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter. RMN assets include Lekiu-class frigate KD Lekiu (F30) and Kasturi-class corvette KD Gagah Samudera (FSG 271), a CB90 fast assault craft, a Super Lynx helicopter, and MMEA vessel KM Marlin. MTA Malaysia 2019 is a continuation of 25 years of maritime engagements between the U.S. Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy serving to enhance mutual capabilities in ensuring maritime security and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tristin Barth)

PACIFIC OCEAN (April. 14, 2022) Lt. Austin Gooder, left, and Lt. Cole Roberts, stand junior officer and officer of the deck watch aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) during routine underway operations in the Eastern Pacific. LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt.j.g. Samuel Hardgrove)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 17, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Rafael Jaramicco, assigned to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), signals an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter as it lands on the flight deck of Montgomery, Jan. 17, 2020. Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 13, 2020) Lt. Laura Burzenski, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, pilots an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter after departing the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), Jan. 13, 2020. Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 27, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) approaches the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) during a replenishment-at-sea, Jan. 27, 2020. Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 26, 2020) Chief Gunner’s Mate Antonio Thacker, assigned to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), observes as an MH-60S Sea Hawk of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 takes off from the flight deck of Montgomery, Jan. 26, 2020. Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released)

LUMUT, Malaysia (August 16, 2019) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) before it departs the Port of Lumut Base Jetty to participate in the sea phase of Maritime Training Activity (MTA) 2019. MTA Malaysia is a continuation of 25 years of U.S. Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy serving to enhance mutual capabilities in ensuring maritime peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Hugo Delgado)

GULF OF THAILAND (Sept. 3, 2019) Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Kerry Corcoran directs an MH-60S helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat squadron (HSC) 23, during deck landing qualification drills aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) as part of the ASEAN-U.S. Maritime Exercise (AUMX). The first AUMX, co-led by the U.S. and Royal Thai navies, includes maritime forces from the U.S. and all 10 ASEAN member states. AUMX promotes shared commitments to maritime partnerships, security and stability in Southeast Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Alexandra Seeley)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 7, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), their embarked MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, and the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14) conduct routine operations near Panamanian flagged drillship, West Capella. Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Operations Specialist 1st Class Stephen Kuhs)

2024 Rose Festival Fleet Week

SOOC

STRAIT OF MALACCA (Aug 16, 2019) The U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) sail side-by-side in formation as part of the at-sea portion of Maritime Training Activity (MTA) 2019. U.S. assets featured include the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752), expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Millinocket (T-EPF 3), an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter and a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter. RMN assets include Lekiu-class frigate KD Lekiu (F30) and Kasturi-class corvette KD Gagah Samudera (FSG 271), a CB90 fast assault craft, a Super Lynx helicopter, and MMEA vessel KM Marlin. MTA Malaysia 2019 is a continuation of 25 years of maritime engagements between the U.S. Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy serving to enhance mutual capabilities in ensuring maritime security and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tristin Barth)

STRAIT OF MALACCA (Aug 16, 2019) The U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) sail side-by-side in formation as part of the at-sea portion of Maritime Training Activity (MTA) 2019. U.S. assets featured include the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752), expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Millinocket (T-EPF 3), an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter and a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter. RMN assets include Lekiu-class frigate KD Lekiu (F30) and Kasturi-class corvette KD Gagah Samudera (FSG 271), a CB90 fast assault craft, a Super Lynx helicopter, and MMEA vessel KM Marlin. MTA Malaysia 2019 is a continuation of 25 years of maritime engagements between the U.S. Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy serving to enhance mutual capabilities in ensuring maritime security and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tristin Barth)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 28, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ships USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), right, and USS Montgomery (LCS 8) operate in the South China Sea, Jan. 28, 2020. Montgomery and Gabrielle Giffords are on rotational deployments to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 28, 2020) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 hovers above the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), Jan. 28, 2020. Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 11, 2020) Chief Gunner’s Mate Jeremiah Hindel, right, assigned to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), reviews parts of a .50 caliber machine gun with Electronics Technician 2nd Class Max Krone during a live-fire exercise, Jan. 11, 2020. Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (April. 15, 2022) Sailors aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) conduct aircraft firefighting training during routine operations in the Eastern Pacific. LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Samuel Hardgrove)

LUMUT, Malaysia (Aug 13, 2019) Royal Malaysia Navy sailors assist in the mooring of USS Montgomery (LCS 8) as the Independence-variant littoral combat ship arrives at Lumut Naval Base pier to participate in Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Malaysia 2019. MTA Malaysia 2019 is a continuation of 25 years of maritime engagements between the U.S. Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy serving to enhance mutual capabilities in ensuring maritime security and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tristin Barth)

LUMUT, Malaysia (Aug 13, 2019) Royal Malaysia Navy sailors observe the independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) as it prepares to pull into Lumut Naval Base for a scheduled port visit as part of Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Malaysia 2019. MTA Malaysia 2019 is a continuation of 25 years of maritime engagements between the U.S. Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy serving to enhance mutual capabilities in ensuring maritime security and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tristin Barth)

PUERTO PRINCESA (Oct. 13, 2019) The Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport USNS Millinocket (T-EPF 3) sits pierside at Puerto Princesa Port after arriving for Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Sama Sama. Now in its third year, MTA Sama Sama includes forces from Japan, Philippines and the United States, and is designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Greg Johnson)

The future USS Jackson and USS Montgomery under construction for the U.S Navy at Austal Shipyard. I have seen Austal employees wearing T-shirts that advertise these ships as "A pirates worst nightmare". Even though these ships are small by Navy standards, they are still enormous when you are close to one. The buildings in the background are a misleading scale to use in judging the size of the ship because they are so massive themselves. Look closely at the white rectangle in the middle of the ship on the right. The black dot in the middle of that rectangle is a man standing on deck. Mobile River. Mobile, Al.

PUERTO PRINCESA (Oct. 13, 2019) Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Samuel Jenson observes from a hatch as the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) arrives at Puerto Princesa Port in preparation for Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Sama Sama. Now in its third year, MTA Sama Sama includes forces from Japan, Philippines and the United States, and is designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Greg Johnson)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 22, 2020) Fire Controlman 1st Class Robert Armstrong, assigned to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), removes a firefighting hose during damage control drills, Jan. 22, 2020. Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released)

SAN DIEGO (June 10, 2020) – Independence-class Littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) returns to its homeport of San Diego following the successful completion a 12-month rotational deployment. The ship operated in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin C. Leitner)

US Navy ship headed up the Columbia River in route to the Rose Festival in Portland Oregon.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 20, 2020) Fire Controlman 1st Class Gary Perry, assigned to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), hauls in a line during a replenishment-at-sea, Jan. 20, 2020. Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released)

LUMUT, Malaysia (Aug 13, 2019) U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) prepares to moor near the independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) in Lumut Naval Base as it arrives for a scheduled port visit as part of Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Malaysia 2019. MTA Malaysia 2019 is a continuation of 25 years of maritime engagements between the U.S. Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy serving to enhance mutual capabilities in ensuring maritime security and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tristin Barth)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 13, 2020) Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Hunter Crochet, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, observes as an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter takes off from the flight deck of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), Jan. 13, 2020. Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released)