YOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 9, 2022) Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, speaks during naval integration staff talks with leadership and staff from U.S. 7th Fleet, III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Japan Self-Defense Forces, Dec. 9, 2022, at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Amanda Kitchner)