190904-N-JN784-2184 GULF OF THAILAND (Sept. 4, 2019) Sailors return to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) following a visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) drill as part of the ASEAN-U.S. Maritime Exercise (AUMX). The first AUMX, co-led by the U.S. and Royal Thai navies, includes maritime forces from the U.S. and all 10 ASEAN member states. AUMX promotes shared commitments to maritime partnerships, security, and stability in Southeast Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Alexandra Seeley/Released)