191013-N-PX867-1129 U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

191013-N-PX867-1129
U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Oct. 13, 2019) Maj. Gen. Paul J. Rock Jr., commanding general, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks to Lt. Col. Andrew Norris, assigned to 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), in the hangar bay aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). The Boxer is participating in KAMANDAG 3, a Philippine-led, bilateral exercise with the U.S., designed to increase counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief capabilities through military exchanges that strengthen partnership and the ability to rapidly respond to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region. KAMANDAG is an acronym for the Filipino phrase "Kaagapay Ng Mga Mandirigma Ng Dagat," which translates to "Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea," highlighting the partnership between the U.S. and Philippine militaries. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 11th MEU are deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to support regional stability, reassure partners and allies, and maintain a presence to respond to any crisis ranging from humanitarian assistance to contingency operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin Whitley)