140628-N-YU572-733 SOUTH CHINA SEA (June 28, 2014) The Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) is underway with, from top, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) and the Philippine navy frigates BRP Gregaorio del Pilar (PF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2014. In its 20th year, CARAT is a bilateral exercise series between the United States and the armed forces of nine partner nations in South and Southeast Asia. (U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jay C. Pugh/Released)