U.S. Coast Guard Ensign Demetrius Gehring and Petty Officer 3rd Class Johnathon Christobal, two crew members assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Robert Ward (WPC 1130) a fast response cutter homeported in San Pedro, California, render a salute to Ecuadorian Coast Guard LAE Isla Isabella (LG-31) during a multi-ship leap-frogging exercise off of the Galapagos Islands, August 21, 2026. During the maneuver, as part of a cultural exchange, the crew members of the Robert Ward broadcasted patriotic music over its loudspeakers as a representation of American culture, while partner nation’s vessels played songs representing their own cultures. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. John Loewenstein)