SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 11, 2023) U.S. Marines assigned to 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit load an MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 362 (Rein.), 13th MEU aboard amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during Balikatan 23, April 11, 2023 in the Subic Bay Harbor. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of Makin Island and amphibious transport docks USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th MEU to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Martinez)