U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Chris Parrinello, an avionics electrical technician assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL-751), prepares to lower a litter from a U.S. Coast Guard MH-65E helicopter for a hoist demonstration aboard the Philippine Coast Guard vessel Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) during a bilateral U.S.-Philippine search and rescue exercise in the South China Sea, July 16, 2024. The bilateral exercise was an opportunity to strengthen relations by working together and exchanging operating procedures and practices. Waesche is the second U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter deployed to the Indo-Pacific in 2024. Coast Guard cutters routinely deploy to the region to engage with partner nations to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo)