Makin Island Participates in Balikatan 23

A U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion, assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5, and a U.S. Marine MV-22 Osprey, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor (VMM) 362 (Rein.), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, returns to amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), during a ship-to-shore operation of Balikatan 23, April 12, 2023 in the Subic Bay Harbor. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades shared experiences. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of Makin Island and amphibious transport docks 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 MEU 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 3rd Class Eloise A. Johnson)