U.S. Coast Guard concludes participation in multinational GALAPEX exercise alongside international partners near Galapagos Islands
U.S. Coast Guard Ensign Demetrius Gehring and Petty Officer 3rd Class Johnathon Christobal, two crew members assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Robert Ward (WPC 1130) a fast response cutter homeported in San Pedro, California, render a salute to Ecuadorian Coast Guard LAE Isla Isabella (LG-31) during a multi-ship leap-frogging exercise off of the Galapagos Islands, August 21, 2026. During the maneuver, as part of a cultural exchange, the crew members of the Robert Ward broadcasted patriotic music over its loudspeakers as a representation of American culture, while partner nation’s vessels played songs representing their own cultures. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. John Loewenstein)