SAN DIEGO -- Ships from Canada, Mexico and the United States conducted combined operations off the coast of Southern California, May 13, to enhance partnership and interoperability among the nations' sea services.

Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) steamed alongside Canadian Navy Kingston-class coastal defence vessels HMCS Saskatoon (MM 709) and HMCS Brandon (MM 710), Mexican Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel ARM Revolucion (P 164), and U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class cutter Robert Ward (WPC-1130) in support of the North American Maritime Security Initiative.

"This was a unique opportunity for our Sailors to operate LCS with partner nation platforms," said Cmdr. Dustin Lonero, Coronado's commanding officer. "We are proud to help strengthen maritime security alongside U.S. Coast Guard, Canadian and Mexican navies."

NAMSI provides a trilateral forum among Canada, Mexico and the United States to develop and refine maritime operations, as well as synchronize training and operational interoperability amongst forces of the three nations. The three participating nations actively seek opportunities to operate together and strengthen their cohesive approach to enhance regional maritime security in North America.

"Anytime I get to be part of an event like this that showcases international cooperation with ships from three different countries and four navies, it is a great experience," said Lt. Steven Naylor, Robert Ward's commanding officer.

An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to flawlessly execute our Navy's role across the full spectrum of military operations – from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region.