161014-N-QA919-0007 HMS Middleton (M34) pulls alongside RFA Lyme Bay (L 3007)(not pictured) to exchange supplies at sea during UK-U.S. Mine Countermeasures Exercise 17-1, Oct. 14, 2016 in the Arabian Gulf. The bilateral exercise serves to enhance cooperation, mutual MCM capabilities and interoperability between the U.S. and U.K. Naval forces in ensuring free flow of commerce, freedom of navigation and long-term regional security. CTG-56.1 conducts mine countermeasures, explosive ordnance disposal, salvage diving, and force protection operations throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Thompson)