PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 9, 2021) A Landing Craft, Utility (LCU) assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 1 approaches the amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) for recovery during exercise Freedom Banner 2021. Freedom Banner is an annual exercise that involves strategic projection of the Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) and associated combat forces. This year’s iteration supports Large Scale Exercise (LSE) 2021, which is designed to refine how we synchronize maritime operation across multiple Fleets in support of the joint force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Curtis D. Spencer)