MANILA, Philippines (June 20, 2024) – The Honorable MaryKay Carlson, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines and Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, greet guests as they arrive for a big top reception aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), June 20, 2024. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Belen Saldana)