MAKASSAR, Indonesia (June 8, 2023) Sailors aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14), raise the ensign during Multination Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) 2023. MNEK 2023 is a military exercise held by Indonesia to establish cooperation in the region, especially in carrying out disaster management and humanitarian assistance operations. Littoral Combat Ships are fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. Manchester, part of Destroyer Squadron 7, is on a rotational deployment operating in the U.S. 7TH Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with Allies and 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 2nd Class Christopher Thomas)