180617-N-TB177-0055 ARABIAN GULF (June 17, 2018) Vice Adm. Scott Stearney, left, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces speaks with members of the Royal Navy aboard the Royal Navy mine countermeasures ship HMS Middleton (M34) during Mine Countermeasures Exercise (MCMEX) 18-2. The bilateral exercise enhances cooperation, mutual MCM capabilities and interoperability between the U.S. and U.K., demonstrating the shared commitment of ensuring unfettered operations of naval and support vessels, as well as commercial shipping movements, throughout the maritime domain. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin J. Steinberg/Released)