MANILA, Philippines (Oct. 2, 2023) Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, left, commander of U. S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Toribio D. Adaci Jr., flag officer in command of the Philippine navy, center, and Commodore Joe Anthony C. Orbe, commander of Naval Forces Southern Luzon, salute the ensign during a rendition of the national anthem during the opening ceremony of Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Sama Sama 2023. MTA Sama Sama is a multilateral exercise including forces from Philippines, the United States, Australia, France, Japan, Canada and the United Kingdom designed to promote regional security cooperation, enhance maritime interoperability, and maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class MC2 Sean Lynch)