251031-N-YO707-1031

251031-N-YO707-1031 Cmdr. Paul Richardson, commanding officer of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), observes Philippine Navy Jose Rizal-class guided-missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) while sail in formation with Fitzgerald during a maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Oct. 31, 2025. The U.S. routinely conducts MCAs with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other partners and allies to continually develop, exercise and enhance multi-domain tactical interoperability to uphold peace and security in the region. Fitzgerald is forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cyrus Roson)