INDIAN OCEAN (June 30, 2021) The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Asagiri-class destroyer JS Yuugiri (DD-153), left, the Sri Lanka navy Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Sayurala (P-623), center left, Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Gajabahu (P-626), center right, and the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18), move in formation during an exercise for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT). In its 27th year, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies' abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adam Butler)