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MANILA, Philippines (Oct. 2, 2023) – Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, Commander, Seventh Fleet, right, and Vice Adm. Toribio D. Adaci Jr., Flag Officer in Command, Philippine Navy, left, respond to inquiries from media outlets during the opening ceremony of Sama Sama 2023. MTA Sama Sama is a multilateral exercise including forces from Philippines, the United States, Australia, France, Japan, Canada and the United Kingdom designed to promote regional security cooperation, enhance maritime interoperability, and maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships. (U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean Lynch)