NORTH SEA (Oct. 1, 2020) The Honorable Kenneth Braithwaite, Secretary of the Navy, stands next to a Royal Navy Sailor while visiting Her Majesty's Ship Queen Elizabeth at sea off the coast of Flamborough, United Kingdom. Braithwaite said "alliances, partnerships, interoperability, and most especially inter-changeability are imperative. Once again they are as important today as they were 75 years ago during World War II, On a daily basis, our coalition forces come together to defend freedom, deter war, and maintain the rules which allow for a free and open international order. While the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps will always maintain a forward presence to help provide global security and stability, the interoperability as we celebrate today with such a close ally as the United Kingdom is key to ensuring future success.” (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by 1st Lt. Zachary Bodner)