SUBIC BAY, Philippines. A U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion, assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, transits Subic Bay during Balikatan 23, April 11, 2023. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) 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 serves as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Tonthat)SOUTH CHINA SEA. The fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199), left, refuels the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) during an underway replenishment in the South China Sea, April 12, 2023. Chung-Hoon is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific (COMLOG WESTPAC)/Task Force 73 logistically resupplies deployed units in the Indo-Pacific along with regional Allies and partners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Greg Johnson)SOUTH CHINA SEA. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69), left, receives fuel from the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) during an underway replenishment in the South China Sea, April 12, 2023. Milius is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific (COMLOG WESTPAC)/Task Force 73 logistically resupplies deployed units in the Indo-Pacific along with regional Allies and partners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Greg Johnson)