The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Mobile (LCS 26) conducts a maritime cooperative activity with the Philippine navy Gregorio del Pilar-class patrol ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS 16) in the South China Sea, July 31, 2024. Mobile, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, is on a rotational deployment operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Aircrewman Tactical Helicopter 2nd Class Diego Chavez)