Rear Adm. Fernandez L. Ponds (left), commander of

Rear Adm. Fernandez L. Ponds (left), commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, greets Commodore Elmer C. Carrillo, commander of Naval Combat Engineering Brigade, Philippine Navy on a visit during Exercise Pacific Horizon 2015. PH15 is a scenario-driven, simulation supported crisis response exercise designed to improve 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s and Expeditionary Strike Group 3’s interoperability and strengthen Navy-Marine Corps relationships by conduction an in-stream Maritime Prepositioning Force offload of equipment, by providing host country civil-military security assistance, and by conducting infrastructure restoration support. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Eric Chan/Released)