Philippine Navy Jose Rizal-class guided-missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FFG 15), left, Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Toowoomba (FFH 156), center, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Murasame-class destroyer JS Ikazuchi (DD107) transit in formation during the group sail exercise for Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the South China Sea, April 24, 2026. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military that represents the strength of our alliance, improves our capable combined force, and demonstrates our commitment to regional peace and prosperity. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kenneth Twaddell)
Ships from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Navy, and the Royal Canadian Navy steam in formation during a group sail exercise as part of Balikatan 2026 in the South China Sea, April 28, 2026. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Military that represents the strength of our alliance, improves our capable combined force, and demonstrates our commitment to regional peace and prosperity. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Gunnery Sgt. Manuel A. Serrano)
CEBU, Philippines– A domineering voice that can’t help but be heard slices through the humid air aboard Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48). The voice is powerful, clear, unwavering, and belongs to a Marine whose presence commands attention despite her small stature.
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Chardonnay Schwartz moves with deliberate energy across the deck, her voice a constant driving force as she instructs Marines and demonstrates skills during her Marine Corps Martial Arts Program course. She is in her element: loud, leading from the front– as always– doing more than what’s expected as the ammunition chief of Task Force Ashland and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
As the Marines train,...
