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A U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion, assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5, departs U.S. Navy Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the South China Sea, April 28, 2026. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military that represents the strength of our alliance, improves our capable combined force, and demonstrates our commitment to regional peace and prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Maliq J. Martin)