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Capt. Tony Chavez, commanding officer of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and Ms. Gwendolyn Cardno, deputy chief of mission at the U.S. embassy in Thailand, center, pose for a photo with leaders from Amphibious Squadron (CPR) SEVEN, Makin Island, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and members of the Royal Thai navy and Republic of Korea navy, on the flight deck during exercise Cobra Gold 2023 (CG 23), March 3, 2023 in the Gulf of Thailand. Cobra Gold promotes interoperability and contributes to the operational readiness of all the militaries involved, a gained training value, and relationships developed by our service members at every level, fostering a spirit of cooperation and goodwill. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nadia Lund)