210630-N-WU807-1149

210630-N-WU807-1148 INDIAN OCEAN (June 30, 2021) An SH-60J helicopter embarked on Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Asagiri-class destroyer JS Yuugiri (DD-153), right, Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Sayurala (P-623), center right, Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Gajabahu (P-626), center, and Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18), left, move in formation during an exercise for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Sri Lanka, June 30. In its 27th year, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies' abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adam Butler)