MAKASSAR, Indonesia (June 5, 2023) Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, right, commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, speaks with Rear Adm. Sean Wat, chief of Republic of Singapore Navy, during the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) 2023 in Makassar, Indonesia, June 5, 2023. The MNEK allows for exchanges that enhance multilateral cooperation and partnerships with nations across the Indo-Pacific region. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Hayley Sims)