The Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Mathew Perry (T-AKE 9), the amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) and the Royal New Zealand Navy multi role vessel HMNZS Canterbury (LSL 421) transit the Vella Gulf during Pacific Partnership 2013. Working at the invitation of each host nation, U.S. Navy forces are joined by non-governmental organizations and regional partners that include Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and New Zealand to improve maritime security, conduct humanitarian assistance and strengthen disaster-response preparedness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tim D. Godbee/Released)