The President of the Republic of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr. right, speaks with the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Palau, Joel Ehrendreich, center left during a ride aboard a U.S. Coast Guard 35-foot Long Range Interceptor II small boat in route to visit to the Legend-class U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752), in Malakal Bay, Palau, June 26, 2025. Stratton is deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force and the U.S. Navy’s largest DESRON. Stratton is deployed to the Indo-Pacific to advance relationships with ally and partner nations to build a more secure and prosperous region with unrestricted, lawful access to the maritime commons. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Sara Muir)