The guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), front; the Philippine frigates BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF 15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF 16); and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), left, are underway in formation during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2014 in the South China Sea June 28, 2014. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness.