MANILA, Philippines (Oct. 2, 2023) Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, delivers remarks during the opening ceremony of Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Sama Sama 2023 at Philippine Navy Headquarters in Manila, Oct. 2, 2023. MTA Sama Sama is a multilateral exercise including forces from the Philippines, 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 1st Class Greg Johnson)