DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory – Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) prepare the ship to moor in Diego Garcia for a scheduled port visit Jan. 3, 2024. The visit underscored the strategic importance of Diego Garcia to an enduring free and open Indo-Pacific by enabling presence, assuring access, and providing defense to the global commons. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jordan Steis)

DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) arrives in Diego Garcia for a scheduled port visit Jan. 3, 2024. The visit underscored the strategic importance of Diego Garcia to an enduring free and open Indo-Pacific by enabling presence, assuring access, and providing defense to the global commons. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jordan Steis)

DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory – A tugboat crosses in front of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) as the ship arrives in Diego Garcia for a scheduled port visit Jan. 3, 2024. The visit underscored the strategic importance of Diego Garcia to an enduring free and open Indo-Pacific by enabling presence, assuring access, and providing defense to the global commons. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jordan Steis)