Representatives from the Philippine, Japan, and U.S. Coast Guards pose for a photo aboard the Philippine Coast Guard Vessel BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) during a hotwash upon the conclusion of the combined operations with the Japan Coast Guard Vessel Akitsushima (PLH 32), Philippine Coast Guard Vessels BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) in the South China Sea, June 7, 2023. Stratton’s crew participated in the first trilateral engagements between the sea services while deployed to the Western Pacific to operate with regional allies and partner nations, reinforcing a rules-based order and maritime governance to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi)