 On behalf of USS Fitzgerald in the United States Navy, I would like to thank the Indian Navy for the invitation and opportunity to participate in Exercise Milan 2022. Milan provides an opportunity for like-minded navies sharing a common vision of a more stable, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific to operate and train alongside one another. We are grateful for India's hosting our forces and the efforts to harmonize our contributions to the region. This event will help renew friendships between all nations participating and especially between the United States and India. Our participation in Milan highlights the U.S. Navy efforts to maintain a presence in the region to help preserve peace and security and further our maritime alliances and partnerships. We are pleased to see the increasing exercise cooperation through the continued success and growth of Exercise Malabar and Tiger Triumph and are excited to participate in Exercise Milan for the first time. The future is bright for cooperation between the United States and India.