U.S. and Philippine Marines guide their assault boat to sea after departing from the stern ramp of dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) during an amphibious assault exercise near Pilas Island, Philippines. The Philippine Marine Corps is training with the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force's Special Operations Training Group (SOTG) during the 1st phase of the 13th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise series. CARAT is an annual series of bilateral maritime training exercises between the U.S. and six Southeast Asia nations designed to build relationships and enhance the operational readiness of the participating forces. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jessica M.