QUITO, Ecuador (Feb. 28, 2024) Delegation leaders sign the minutes during the closing ceremony of the U.S.-Ecuador Maritime Staff Talks in Quito, Ecuador. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet conducts an annual MST with the Ecuadorian Navy to discuss upcoming operations and exercises that will improve interoperability and increase the readiness of both countries' maritime forces. Signed minutes form the action items for both navies to strengthen their maritime partnership. U.S. Marine Corps Forces South and U.S. Coast Guard Eleventh District also participated in the MST with Ecuador. USNAVSOUTH/FOURTHFLT is the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces leading to improved unity, security and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Robert Kapcio)