NORWEGIAN SEA . Sailors conduct crane operations in the well deck of the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), during Steadfast Defender 24, March 5, 2024. Steadfast Defender 2024, NATO’s largest exercise in decades, will demonstrate NATO’s ability to deploy forces rapidly from across the Alliance to reinforce the defense of Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Danielle Serocki)MOMBASA, Kenya. Partner nation service members participate in a visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) exercise aboard the Kenya Coast Guard ship Doria in Mombasa, Kenya, March 4, 2024. Cutlass Express 2024, conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa and sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, increases the readiness of U.S. forces; enhances maritime domain awareness and collaboration among participating nations; and strengthens the capability of partner nations to combat piracy and counter illicit trafficking and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jawad Dughmush)ROCKINGHAM, Australia. The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) pulls alongside Diamantina Pier at Fleet Base West in Rockingham, Western Australia, March 10, 2024. The nuclear-powered, conventionally-armed submarine is in HMAS Stirling for the second visit by a fast-attack submarine to Australia since the announcement of the AUKUS (Australia, United Kingdom, United States) Optimal Pathway in March 2023. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kaitlyn E. Eads)GULF OF ADEN . Sailors from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) approach a disabled vessel in the Gulf of Aden, March 11, 2024, to assist three stranded mariners. USS Laboon is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Navy photo)
