231003-M-IJ090-1137

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Thomas Siverts, right, commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia, I Marine Expeditionary Force and U.S. Space Force Guardian Capt. Rafael Fermin, a linguist with MRF-SEA speaks with two Philippine Airforce service members at a maritime domain awareness seminar during Exercise Sama Sama 2023, on Fort Bonafacio, Manila, Luzon, Philippines, Oct. 3, 2023. Sama Sama is a multilateral exercise including forces from the Philippines, United States, Australia, France, Japan, Canada and the United Kingdom designed to promote regional security cooperation, enhance maritime interoperability and maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships. MRF-SEA is a Marine Corps Forces Pacific operational model which involves planned exchanges with subject matter experts, promotes security goals with Allies and partners, and positions I MEF forces west of the International Date Line. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Kai W. Huber).