Amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) transits the Gulf of Thailand during exercise Cobra Gold 2023, March 3, 2023. Exercise Cobra Gold 2023, in its 42nd iteration, is one of the largest multilateral theater security cooperation exercises in the Indo-Pacific and reflects the U.S. commitment to allies and partners, providing a continuous and reliable platform to train, prepare, and enhance regional interoperability. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island and amphibious transport dock 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 MEU to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Martinez)