U.S. forces strengthen Pacific security partnerships at CARAT Thailand 2026

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Kyle Gantt, deputy commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, greets U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Dixon, commanding officer of the Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141), during the opening ceremony of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2026, July 6, 2026, at Laem Tian Pier. This year marks the 32nd iteration of CARAT, a multinational exercise series designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies' abilities to operate together in response to shared maritime security challenges in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nicholas Rodriguez)