STRAIT OF MALACCA (Nov. 28, 2021) Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Martin Coffer, from Chicago, right, stands by for safety as Gunner's Mate 1st Class Darryl Patterson, from Cleveland, Texas, fires a .50-caliber machine gun from the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16) during a weapons exercise for Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Malaysia 2021. MTA Malaysia 2021 is a continuation of 27 years of maritime engagements between the U.S. Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy serving to enhance mutual capabilities in ensuring maritime security and stability. Tulsa, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Devin M. Langer)