GULF OF MANNAR (Jan. 23, 2023) – U.S. Marines with Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, approach SLNS Gajabahu (P626) for a vessel, board, search, and seizure exercise during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training/Marine Exercise Sri Lanka 2023, Jan. 23. CARAT/MAREX Sri Lanka is a bilateral exercise between Sri Lanka and the United States designed to promote regional security cooperation, practice humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and strengthen maritime understanding, partnerships, and interoperability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kevin G. Rivas)