U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers USS O'Kane (DDG 77), USS Howard (DDG 83), USS Chafee (DDG 90), USS Kidd (DDG 100) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) along with U.S. Coast Guard cutters USCGC Midgett (WMSL 757) and USCGC Oliver Berry (WPC 1124) are operating together to promote joint force interoperability.

"These operations enable the Navy-Coast Guard team to maintain our nation's advantage at sea," said Cmdr. Scott Maloney, Murphy's commanding officer. "Working with our Coast Guard counterparts has allowed us to expand interoperability between our AEGIS weapons system and their unmanned systems. The Coast Guard is an indispensable partner in an integrated, all-domain naval force. Together, we remain ready to uphold maritime governance, support partners, and counter malign behaviors throughout the world."

Maritime forces routinely operate together throughout the region to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security in the Indo-Pacific.

"The U.S. Coast Guard provides a unique suite of capabilities and authorities to the joint force that complements U.S. Navy assets and capabilities," said Capt. Alan McCabe, Midgett's commanding officer. "Combined operations like this one provide the Coast Guard an opportunity to bolster our interoperability with the Navy and ensure readiness that facilitates a free and open Indo-Pacific consistent with international rules and norms."

As an integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific in addition to providing realistic and relevant training necessary to flawlessly execute our Navy's timeless roles of sea control and power projection. U.S. 3rd Fleet works in close coordination with other numbered Fleets to provide commanders with capable, ready forces to deploy forward and win in day-to-day competition, in crisis, and in conflict.

For more information on U.S. 3rd Fleet, contact C3F.PAO@navy.mil.