210704-N-RL695-1360 CARIBBEAN SEA – (July 4, 2021) – The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Billings (LCS 15) participates in a maritime training exercise with the Freedom-variant littoral combat ships USS Wichita (LCS 13), and USS Sioux City (LCS 11), July 4, 2021. This exercise marks the first time three Freedom-variant littoral combat ships are deployed and operating together. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marianne Guemo/Released)NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. — Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Wichita (LCS 13) departed Naval Station Mayport, Aug. 7, to participate in Operation NANOOK TUUGAALIK 2026, the maritime component of Canada’s premier Arctic exercise. Operation NANOOK is the Canadian Armed Forces’ signature Arctic operation and demonstrates the collective ability of Allied and partner nations to operate together in the High North. The annual TUUGAALIK maritime phase enhances readiness through realistic training that strengthens interoperability, improves maritime awareness, and reinforces the rules-based international order.