New Caledonia – Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Oakland (LCS 24) participated in Croix Du Sud 2023 with 14 allied and partner nations at New Caledonia, April 24 to May 8, 2023.

Cmdr. Andrew Laidler, the former executive officer of Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Oakland (LCS 24), from Hanover, Massachusetts, walks across the mission bay as the crew of Oakland salutes him off the ship during the executive officer’s turnover aboard Oakland at Changi Naval Base,

Sailors pull in lines in the forecastle aboard Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Oakland (LCS 24) as the ship prepares to sail out of Changi Naval Base, Singapore, February 1, 2023.

Sailors assemble metal shoring during a flooding drill aboard Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Oakland (LCS 24) at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, Jan. 31, 2023.

Sailors assigned to Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Oakland (LCS 24) prepare to secure an 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boat to floats during twin boom extendable crane (TBEC) operations aboard Oakland at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, Jan. 30, 2023.

Sailors operate a firehose during an aircraft firefighting drill on the flight deck aboard Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Oakland (LCS 24) at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, Jan. 27, 2023.

Aviation Electrician’s Mate Airman Daniel Kuriloyoung, assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35, from Beaverton, Oregon, conducts routine maintenance on the rotors of an MH-60R Seahawk, attached to HSM-35, on the flight deck of Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Oakland (LCS

Culinary Specialist 1st Class Nicoleray Daos, from Olongapo, Philippines, prepares burgers and steaks on the grill as Culinary Specialist 1st Class Reynold Laurentino, from La Union, Philippines, prepares a tray of food for the crew in the galley aboard Independence-class littoral combat ship USS

Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class Zachary Jacoban, from San Bernardino, California, removes chaff shells from launchers aboard Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Oakland (LCS 24) as the ship sails in the Natuna Sea, Jan. 19, 2023.

Aviation Electrician’s Mate Airman Daniel Kuriloyoung, assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35, from Beaverton, Oregon, conducts routine maintenance on the rotors of an MH-60R Sea Hawk, also attached to HSM 35, in the hangar bay aboard Independence-class littoral combat ship USS

Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Oakland (LCS 24) sails in the Natuna Sea, Jan. 18, 2023.

Culinary Specialist Seaman Messiah Prince, from Brooklyn, New York, prepares burgers on the grill in the galley aboard Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Oakland (LCS 24) as the ship sails in the Natuna Sea, Jan. 18, 2023.

Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Diamonn Graham, from Dallas, looks through a pair of binoculars while standing watch on the starboard bridgewing of Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Oakland (LCS 24) as the ship sails out of Changi Naval Base, Singapore, Jan. 17, 2023.

Sonar Technician (Surface) Seaman Apprentice Kevin Garcia, from Rockingham, North Carolina, organizes mooring lines in the mission bay aboard Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Oakland (LCS 24) at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, Jan. 17, 2023.

Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Oakland (LCS 24) is moored alongside a pier at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, Jan. 17, 2023.

Sailors assigned to the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Oakland (LCS 24) wave to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Kirisame (DD 104) following a bilateral exercise in the South China Sea, Oct. 21.