Netherlands, U.S. naval forces conduct South China Sea operations
SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 22, 2024) The independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Mobile (LCS 26), left, replenishes from the dry-cargo and ammunition ship USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8) as the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS Tromp (F803) follows in the South China Sea. The right of free oceans and free passage for shipping is crucial to the global economy. (U.S. Navy photo)