230313-N-HG846-1099

Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) leads French Navy La Fayette-class frigate FS La Fayette (F 710) and Indian navy Shivalik-class stealth frigate Sahyadri (F49) during joint training exercise La Pérouse 2023 in the Bay of Bengal, March 13. La Pérouse is a multilateral exercise designed to enhance cooperation in the field of maritime surveillance, interdiction operations and air operations by progressive training and information sharing. Charleston, part of Destroyer Squadron 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.