U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mark F. Schaefer, left, commanding officer, Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and Royal Thai Marine Corps Rear Adm. Nirat Tagoodruar, deputy commanding officer, pose for a photo following an in-brief during the USMC-RTMC Future Engagement Planning Conference in Sattahip, Thailand, Dec. 11, 2024. These discussions strengthen the enduring partnership between the two forces by fostering military-to-military collaboration, enhancing combined readiness, and supporting a shared commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Conor Ragland) - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mark F. Schaefer, left, commanding officer, Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and Royal Thai Marine Corps Rear Adm. Nirat Tagoodruar, deputy commanding officer, pose for a photo following an in-brief during the USMC-RTMC Future Engagement Planning Conference in Sattahip, Thailand, Dec. 11, 2024. These discussions strengthen the enduring partnership between the two forces by fostering military-to-military collaboration, enhancing combined readiness, and supporting a shared commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Conor Ragland)