170511-N-PD309-522 SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 11, 2017) Chief Fire Controlman Adam Hoffer, assigned to the littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4), prepares to pick up Thai sailors from the Royal Thai Navy frigate HTMS Naresuan (FFG 421) prior to a visit, board, search and seizure exercise during the multilateral Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise. CARAT is a series of annual maritime exercises aimed at strengthening partnerships and increasing interoperability through bilateral and multilateral engagements ashore and at sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Deven Leigh Ellis/Released)