210831-M-GH531-838

U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Blake Novak (center), commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro, speaks with members of the Philippine Coast Guard during a maritime engagement Aug. 31, 2021, in the West Philippine Sea. Operating under the tactical control of U.S. 7th Fleet, the cutter and crew are engaging in professional exchanges and capacity-building exercises with partner nations and are patrolling and conducting operations as directed. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Marine Corps Sgt. Kevin G. Rivas)