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Capt. Tony Chavez, commanding officer of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), left center, and Capt. Andria Slough, executive officer of Makin Island, front right, give a tour of the flight deck for Vice Adm. Myung Soo Kim, commander, Republic of Korea (ROK) Fleet, center, during a key leader engagement aboard Makin Island for Operation Ssang Yong 2023, March 24 in South Korea. SY23 is a U.S./ROK joint landing drill to strengthen the alliance’s combat readiness, ensure tailored capabilities for defense, and improve interoperability to protect peace by strength. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of Makin Island and amphibious transport docks USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Capt. Tony Chavez, commanding officer of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), left center, and Capt. Andria Slough, executive officer of Makin Island, front right, give a tour of the flight deck for Vice Adm. Myung Soo Kim, commander, Republic of Korea (ROK) Fleet, center, during a key leader engagement aboard Makin Island for Operation Ssang Yong 2023, March 24 in South Korea. SY23 is a U.S./ROK joint landing drill to strengthen the alliance’s combat readiness, ensure tailored capabilities for defense, and improve interoperability to protect peace by strength. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of Makin Island and amphibious transport docks USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Martinez

Capt. Tony Chavez, commanding officer of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), left center, and Capt. Andria Slough, executive officer of Makin Island, front right, give a tour of the flight deck for Vice Adm. Myung Soo Kim, commander, Republic of Korea (ROK) Fleet, center, during a key leader engagement aboard Makin Island for Operation Ssang Yong 2023, March 24 in South Korea. SY23 is a U.S./ROK joint landing drill to strengthen the alliance’s combat readiness, ensure tailored capabilities for defense, and improve interoperability to protect peace by strength. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of Makin Island and amphibious transport docks USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Capt. Tony Chavez, commanding officer of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), left center, and Capt. Andria Slough, executive officer of Makin Island, front right, give a tour of the flight deck for Vice Adm. Myung Soo Kim, commander, Republic of Korea (ROK) Fleet, center, during a key leader engagement aboard Makin Island for Operation Ssang Yong 2023, March 24 in South Korea. SY23 is a U.S./ROK joint landing drill to strengthen the alliance’s combat readiness, ensure tailored capabilities for defense, and improve interoperability to protect peace by strength. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of Makin Island and amphibious transport docks USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Martinez

POHANG, Republic of Korea (March 30, 2023) – U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Von Landry a scout sniper with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires his M18 pistol during a pistol qualification range, March 30. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Brendan Custer)

POHANG, Republic of Korea (March 30, 2023) – U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Von Landry a scout sniper with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires his M18 pistol during a pistol qualification range, March 30. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Brendan Custer)

Photo by Sgt. Brendan Custer

POHANG, Republic of South Korea (March 27, 2023) – U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jake Augustine, a machine gunner with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts an Aussie rappel during rope training during Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Brendan Custer)

POHANG, Republic of South Korea (March 27, 2023) – U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jake Augustine, a machine gunner with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts an Aussie rappel during rope training during Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Brendan Custer)

Photo by Sgt. Brendan Custer

HWAJIN-RI BEACH, Republic of Korea (March 29, 2023) – U.S. Navy Landing Craft, Air Cushion 74 with Assault Craft Unit 5, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit arrives ashore for an amphibious assault during Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Austin Gillam)

HWAJIN-RI BEACH, Republic of Korea (March 29, 2023) – U.S. Navy Landing Craft, Air Cushion 74 with Assault Craft Unit 5, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit arrives ashore for an amphibious assault during Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Austin Gillam)

Photo by Cpl. Austin Gillam

HWAJIN-RI BEACH, Republic of Korea (March 29, 2023) – U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, drive a light armored vehicle off a landing craft, air cushion during an amphibious assault training exercise for Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S. - ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK's combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S. -ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin G. Rivas)

HWAJIN-RI BEACH, Republic of Korea (March 29, 2023) – U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, drive a light armored vehicle off a landing craft, air cushion during an amphibious assault training exercise for Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S. - ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK's combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S. -ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin G. Rivas)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin G. Rivas

HWAJIN-RI BEACH, Republic of South Korea (March. 29, 2023) –Republic of Korea Marines and U.S. Marines assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a simulated amphibious assault during Ssang Young 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Young 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nicolas Atehortua)

HWAJIN-RI BEACH, Republic of South Korea (March. 29, 2023) –Republic of Korea Marines and U.S. Marines assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a simulated amphibious assault during Ssang Young 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Young 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK’s combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nicolas Atehortua)

Photo by Sgt. Nicolas Atehortua

Marines from the Republic of Korea 1st Marine Division, ROK Marine Aircraft Group, U.S. 1st Marine Division, and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing take a group photo during Freedom Shield 2023 at ROK Marine Corps Base Pohang, South Korea, March 21, 2023. Freedom shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. (Courtesy photo by Republic of Korea Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Sang Moon Park)

Marines from the Republic of Korea 1st Marine Division, ROK Marine Aircraft Group, U.S. 1st Marine Division, and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing take a group photo during Freedom Shield 2023 at ROK Marine Corps Base Pohang, South Korea, March 21, 2023. Freedom shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. (Courtesy photo by Republic of Korea Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Sang Moon Park)

Photo by Republic of Korea Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Sang Moon Park

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Christopher J. Parris, and Lance Cpl. Elijah Serrano, both motor transport operators, with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, salute Brig. Gen. Phillip N. Frietze, commanding general, 1st Marine Logistics Group, on Camp Pendleton, California, Mar. 10, 2023. Parris and Serrano were awarded for providing a series of tasks to support lifesaving actions while he personally provided multiple rounds of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Aldo Sessarego)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Christopher J. Parris, and Lance Cpl. Elijah Serrano, both motor transport operators, with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, salute Brig. Gen. Phillip N. Frietze, commanding general, 1st Marine Logistics Group, on Camp Pendleton, California, Mar. 10, 2023. Parris and Serrano were awarded for providing a series of tasks to support lifesaving actions while he personally provided multiple rounds of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Aldo Sessarego)

Photo by Sgt. Aldo Sessarego

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney (right), commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC), prepares to pass on a noncommissioned officer sword to Sgt. Maj. Eric D. Cook, oncoming sergeant major of MARFORPAC, at a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 15, 2023. The passing of the sword represents the passing of authority. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Michael P. Woods relinquished his duties as sergeant major of MARFORPAC to Sgt. Maj. Cook. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Haley Fourmet Gustavsen)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney (right), commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC), prepares to pass on a noncommissioned officer sword to Sgt. Maj. Eric D. Cook, oncoming sergeant major of MARFORPAC, at a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 15, 2023. The passing of the sword represents the passing of authority. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Michael P. Woods relinquished his duties as sergeant major of MARFORPAC to Sgt. Maj. Cook. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Haley Fourmet Gustavsen)

Photo by Cpl. Haley Fourmetgustavsen

Amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) transits the Gulf of Thailand during exercise Cobra Gold 202, March 3, 2023. Exercise Cobra Gold 2023, in its 42nd iteration, is one of the largest multilateral theater security cooperation exercises in the Indo-Pacific and reflects the U.S. commitment to allies and partners, providing a continuous and reliable platform to train, prepare, and enhance regional interoperability. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island and amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th MEU to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) transits the Gulf of Thailand during exercise Cobra Gold 202, March 3, 2023. Exercise Cobra Gold 2023, in its 42nd iteration, is one of the largest multilateral theater security cooperation exercises in the Indo-Pacific and reflects the U.S. commitment to allies and partners, providing a continuous and reliable platform to train, prepare, and enhance regional interoperability. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island and amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th MEU to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Photo by Seaman Joshua Martinez

Amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) transits the Gulf of Thailand during exercise Cobra Gold 202, March 3, 2023. Exercise Cobra Gold 2023, in its 42nd iteration, is one of the largest multilateral theater security cooperation exercises in the Indo-Pacific and reflects the U.S. commitment to allies and partners, providing a continuous and reliable platform to train, prepare, and enhance regional interoperability. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island and amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th MEU to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) transits the Gulf of Thailand during exercise Cobra Gold 202, March 3, 2023. Exercise Cobra Gold 2023, in its 42nd iteration, is one of the largest multilateral theater security cooperation exercises in the Indo-Pacific and reflects the U.S. commitment to allies and partners, providing a continuous and reliable platform to train, prepare, and enhance regional interoperability. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island and amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th MEU to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Photo by Seaman Joshua Martinez

Amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) transits the Gulf of Thailand during exercise Cobra Gold 202, March 3, 2023. Exercise Cobra Gold 2023, in its 42nd iteration, is one of the largest multilateral theater security cooperation exercises in the Indo-Pacific and reflects the U.S. commitment to allies and partners, providing a continuous and reliable platform to train, prepare, and enhance regional interoperability. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island and amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th MEU to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) transits the Gulf of Thailand during exercise Cobra Gold 202, March 3, 2023. Exercise Cobra Gold 2023, in its 42nd iteration, is one of the largest multilateral theater security cooperation exercises in the Indo-Pacific and reflects the U.S. commitment to allies and partners, providing a continuous and reliable platform to train, prepare, and enhance regional interoperability. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island and amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th MEU to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Photo by Seaman Joshua Martinez

230215-N-ZQ263-1189 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 15, 2023) Ships and aircraft from Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (MKI ARG), with embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), operate in formation in the South China Sea. NIMCSG, MKI ARG and 13th MEU, are conducting combined expeditionary strike force (ESF) operations, demonstrating unique high-end war fighting capability, maritime superiority, power projection and readiness. Operations include integrated training designed to advance interoperability between the two groups while simultaneously demonstrating the U.S. commitment to our alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. NIMCSG is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Lagadi)

230215-N-ZQ263-1189 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 15, 2023) Ships and aircraft from Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (MKI ARG), with embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), operate in formation in the South China Sea. NIMCSG, MKI ARG and 13th MEU, are conducting combined expeditionary strike force (ESF) operations, demonstrating unique high-end war fighting capability, maritime superiority, power projection and readiness. Operations include integrated training designed to advance interoperability between the two groups while simultaneously demonstrating the U.S. commitment to our alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. NIMCSG is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Lagadi)

Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kenneth

U.S. Marines with Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, currently attached to III Marine Expeditionary Force, enter the arrival terminal at Osan Air Base, Geyonggi, Korea, to begin exercise Freedom Shield 23, March 5, 2023. The 1st MARDIV attached to III MEF to serve as the ground combat element for the Combined Marine Component Command, Combined Forces Command, during FS 23. Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Frank Webb)

U.S. Marines with Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, currently attached to III Marine Expeditionary Force, enter the arrival terminal at Osan Air Base, Geyonggi, Korea, to begin exercise Freedom Shield 23, March 5, 2023. The 1st MARDIV attached to III MEF to serve as the ground combat element for the Combined Marine Component Command, Combined Forces Command, during FS 23. Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Frank Webb)

Photo by Sgt. Frank Webb

U.S. Marines with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, conduct Range 400, a company-level combined arms training event, during Marine Littoral Regiment Training Exercise (MLR-TE) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 9, 2023. MLR-TE is a large-scale, service-level exercise designed to train, develop, and experiment with the 3d MLR as part of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force, led by 3d Marine Division, operating as a Stand-in Force across a contested and distributed maritime environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Patrick King)

U.S. Marines with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, conduct Range 400, a company-level combined arms training event, during Marine Littoral Regiment Training Exercise (MLR-TE) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 9, 2023. MLR-TE is a large-scale, service-level exercise designed to train, develop, and experiment with the 3d MLR as part of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force, led by 3d Marine Division, operating as a Stand-in Force across a contested and distributed maritime environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Patrick King)

Photo by Sgt. Patrick King

OKINAWA, JAPAN (Mar. 12, 2023) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Sailors assigned the forward deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), and members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force pose for a photo during the closing ceremony for Exercise Iron Fist aboard the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force landing ship tank JS Osumi (LST-4001) while moored in Okinawa, Japan, Mar. 12. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strength the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shelby M. Tucker)

OKINAWA, JAPAN (Mar. 12, 2023) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Sailors assigned the forward deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), and members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force pose for a photo during the closing ceremony for Exercise Iron Fist aboard the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force landing ship tank JS Osumi (LST-4001) while moored in Okinawa, Japan, Mar. 12. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strength the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shelby M. Tucker)

Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Shelby T

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen James W. Bierman, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, center-left, and Republic of Korea Marine Corps Commandant Lt. Gen. Kim Kye-Hwan, center-right, stand with their combined staff at the ROK Marine Corps Headquarters, Baran, Republic of Korea, March 9, 2023. The two Marine Corps leaders met to discuss the expansion of combined-joint training on the Korean peninsula and promote mutual commitment between the two forces. The ROK-U.S. alliance is vital to the collective defense and security of the Korean Peninsula and the region, and the lynchpin of U.S. joint force posture in Northeast Asia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen James W. Bierman, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, center-left, and Republic of Korea Marine Corps Commandant Lt. Gen. Kim Kye-Hwan, center-right, stand with their combined staff at the ROK Marine Corps Headquarters, Baran, Republic of Korea, March 9, 2023. The two Marine Corps leaders met to discuss the expansion of combined-joint training on the Korean peninsula and promote mutual commitment between the two forces. The ROK-U.S. alliance is vital to the collective defense and security of the Korean Peninsula and the region, and the lynchpin of U.S. joint force posture in Northeast Asia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews

The high-speed transport vessel USNS Guam (T-HST 1) departs Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, March 3, 2023. The USNS Guam will transport the Marines to the Republic of Korea for exercise Freedom Shield 23. Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

The high-speed transport vessel USNS Guam (T-HST 1) departs Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, March 3, 2023. The USNS Guam will transport the Marines to the Republic of Korea for exercise Freedom Shield 23. Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (Rein.) 362, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly over multinational forces during an amphibious exercise as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 23 in Chonburi province, Kingdom of Thailand, March 3, 2023. Participating nations conducted operations simultaneously across multiple locations to refine command and control processes while fostering interoperability. Cobra Gold, now in its 42nd year, is a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored training event that builds on the long-standing friendship between the two allied nations and brings together a robust multinational force to promote regional peace and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad J. Pulliam)

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (Rein.) 362, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly over multinational forces during an amphibious exercise as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 23 in Chonburi province, Kingdom of Thailand, March 3, 2023. Participating nations conducted operations simultaneously across multiple locations to refine command and control processes while fostering interoperability. Cobra Gold, now in its 42nd year, is a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored training event that builds on the long-standing friendship between the two allied nations and brings together a robust multinational force to promote regional peace and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad J. Pulliam)

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Chad Pulliam

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific