U.S. Coast Guard Master Chief Daniel Foster, command master chief of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL-751), gives opening remarks during a burial at sea service held for Master Chief Clarence Dowden Jr. (Ret.) aboard the Waesche, in the South China Sea, June 22, 2024. Dowden Jr. was the first Coast Guardsmen to receive the Silver Ancient Mariner award in 1980. The U.S. Coast Guard has operated in the Indo-Pacific for more than 150 years, and the service is increasing efforts through targeted patrols with our National Security Cutters, Fast Response Cutters and other activities in support of Coast Guard missions to enhance our partnership. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Elijah Murphy)