Australia, Canada, and U.S. conduct multilateral operations in South China Sea

A Royal Australian Navy (RAN) MH-60R Sea Hawk from Anzac-class frigate HMAS Toowoomba (FFH 156) departs Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) for a crew exchange during a multilateral exercise with RAN and Royal Canadian Armed Forces in the South China Sea, April 14, 2026. Ashland and embarked Sailors and Marines from Task Force Ashland are a flexible crisis response force, purpose-built to integrate with allies and partners in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. This forward deployment demonstrates the unwavering U.S. commitment to regional security and stability. U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John B. Hetherington)