PHILIPPINE SEA. Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 3rd Class James Downs, from Frederick, Maryland, loads countermeasures aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113). John Finn is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the NavyÕs largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleetÕs principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samantha Oblander)SANTA RITA, Guam. U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, board the Formidable-class stealth frigate RSS Tenacious (71) during Exercise Pacific Griffin 2023. Pacific Griffin 2023 is a biennial maritime exercise between the U.S. and Republic of Singapore. Conducted in the waters near Guam, the two navies enhance combined maritime proficiency while strengthening relationships during two weeks of dynamic training evolutions ashore and at sea. Littoral Combat Ships are fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. Manchester, part of DESRON 7, is on a rotational deployment operating in the U.S. 7TH Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Thomas)PHILIPPINE SEA. The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14), front, and the Republic of Singapore navy Formidable-class stealth frigate RSS Tenacious (71) transit the Philippine Sea during Exercise Pacific Griffin, June 22, 2023. Pacific Griffin 2023 is the fourth iteration of the biennial maritime exercise between the U.S. and Republic of Singapore. Pacific Griffin 2023 is the fourth iteration of the biennial maritime exercise between the U.S. and Republic of Singapore. Conducted in the waters near Guam, the two navies enhance combined maritime proficiency while strengthening relationships during two weeks of dynamic training evolutions ashore and at sea. Littoral Combat Ships are fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. Manchester, part of Destroyer Squadron 7, is on a rotational deployment operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Thomas)
