PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 3, 2020) The amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), right, receives pallets of dry goods from the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10) during an underway replenishment. New Orleans, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelby Sanders)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 8, 2021) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Jonathan Kosfeld, from Pleasant Hill, Missouri, directs a Puma helicopter assigned to Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) while delivering supplies to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) during a vertical replenishment. Barry is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin Stack)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 22 2020) Maj. Robert Johnson, from Boston, pilots an AH-1Z Viper helicopter from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 on the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serves as a ready response force to defend security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelby Sanders)

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 29, 2021) Fire Controlman (Aegis) 3rd Class Keith Anderson, from San Bernardino, Calif., tracks inbound aircraft from inside the combat information center aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) during an air-defense exercise (ADEX) as part of Pacific Griffin 2021. Pacific Griffin is considered the most complex and warfare-centric bilateral engagement between both navies and represents a continued investment in the strengthening of the solid partnership between the U.S. and Republic of Singapore.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 28, 2021) Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Cheyenne Moscoso, from Fairfield, Calif., dons a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) during a firefighting drill aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54). Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zenaida Roth)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 25, 2021) Royal Australian Navy Hobart-class destroyer HMAS Brisbane (DDG 41) sails in formation with U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) for a photo exercise (PHOTOEX). Benfold is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Deanna C. Gonzales)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 23, 2021) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Emmanuel Bonsu, from Accra, Ghana, assigned to forward-deployed amphibious assault ship (LHA 6), launches an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft from the ship’s flight deck. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan D. Berlier)

EAST CHINA SEA (Nov. 3, 2021) Sailors aboard U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) heave a line during a replenishment-at-sea with Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force replenishment ship JS Omi (AOE-426). Dewey is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin Stack)

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 29, 2021) Fire Controlman (Aegis) 3rd Class Wyatt Spence, from Fort Worth, Texas, tracks inbound aircraft from inside the combat information center aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) during an air-defense exercise (ADEX) as part of Pacific Griffin 2021. Pacific Griffin is considered the most complex and warfare-centric bilateral engagement between both navies and represents a continued investment in the strengthening of the solid partnership between the U.S. and Republic of Singapore. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Deanna Gonzales)

EAST CHINA SEA (Oct. 16, 2021) Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Joshua Leija, from Eloy, Arizona, conducts a preventive maintenance check on an MH-60R Sea Hawk, assigned to the “Warlords” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105). Dewey is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin Stack)

EAST CHINA SEA (March 27, 2021) Operations Specialist 2nd Class Demetrius Hart, from Newport News, Va., stands watch as the harpoon engagement planner during training scenarios aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54). Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cody Beam)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 13, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Kevin Dunlavey, from Munford, Tenn., right, stands by as a safety officer as an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the “Archangels” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, Detachment 6, conducts deck landing qualifications on the flight deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). Germantown, part of America Expeditionary Strike Group, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serves as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 30, 2021) Operations Specialist Seaman Apprentice Makayla Biava, from Las Vegas, and Operations Specialist 1st Class Ellington Morgan, from Sacramento, Calif., monitor the surface picture from inside the combat information center aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) as part of an air-defense exercise (ADEX) during Pacific Griffin 2021. Pacific Griffin is considered the most complex and warfare-centric bilateral engagement between both navies and represents a continued investment in the strengthening of the solid partnership between the U.S. and Republic of Singapore. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Deanna Gonzales)

EAST CHINA SEA (June 25, 2022) Senior Chief Fire Controlman (Aegis) Jonathan Bartlett, from Port Chester, N.Y., searches for surface contacts while standing watch in the Combat Information Center aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105). Dewey is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samantha Oblander)

EAST CHINA SEA (Sept. 20, 2021) Sailors aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) receive a pallet of supplies from Henry J. Kaiser class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) during a replenishment-at-sea. Barry is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin Stack)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 23, 2021) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Leevan Jordan, from Virginia Beach, Virginia, assigned to forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), signals an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft on the ship’s flight deck. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan D. Berlier)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 10, 2020) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Michael Aguda, left, from Artesia, Calif., and Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Joan Revilla, from San Diego, withstand strong downwash to direct the launch of a CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 on the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelby Sanders)

PHILIPPINE SEA (March 20, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) launches a standard missile (SM) 2 during a missile exercise. Benfold is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Deanna Gonzales)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 1, 2021) Ensign Nicholas Gutierrez, from Dallas, stands watch in the pilot house aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52). Barry is deployed supporting Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin Stack)

TAIWAN STRAIT (Oct. 14, 2020) Operations Specialist 1st Class Jose Gonzalez looks for contacts on the Automated Information System (AIS) laptop while standing watch aboard the Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52). U.S. Navy cruisers and destroyers fulfill critical roles to forward-deployed naval forces, carrier strike groups, and regional partners and allies in supporting the security and the right of all nations to trade, to communicate, and to choose their destiny in a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Molly M. Crawford/Released)

CORAL SEA (July 27, 2021) An SA 330J Puma helicopter delivers cargo to the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during a replenishment-at-sea with the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 21. Australian and U.S. Forces combine biennially for Talisman Sabre, a month-long multi-domain exercise that strengthens allied and partner capabilities to respond to the full range of Indo-Pacific security concerns. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan D. Berlier)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 25, 2020) Ensign Wiliam Gilchrist, from Salida, Colo., uses a laser range finder to determine the distance between the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) and the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), right, as the ships sail in formation. Germantown, part of America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit team, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serves as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)

EAST CHINA SEA (Sept. 20, 2021) Sailors aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) receive pallets of supplies from Henry J. Kaiser class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) during a replenishment-at-sea. Barry is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin Stack)

PHILIPPINE SEA (July 5, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) fires its Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) during a live-fire gunnery exercise. Benfold is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Deanna Gonzales)

PORT OF KUSHIRO, Japan (Oct. 5, 2022) An Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS) craft from the USNS Dahl (T-AKR 312), operated by Sailors from Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 1 as a part of the Navy Support Element in support of Resolute Dragon 22, sails in Kushiro Port, Japan. USS Benfold (DDG 65), USNS Dahl (T-AKR 312), and USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) are participating in joint bilateral integration with III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) in support of Resolute Dragon 22. Exercises like this one reassure our allies and partners of the U.S. commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Storm Henry)

SASEBO, Japan (Oct. 27, 2020) A hose team attacks a mock fire during a Federal Fire integrated firefighting drill aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). The fire drill integrates Federal fire fighters from Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo with Sailors aboard the ship to train on fighting in-port fires. New Orleans, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelby Sanders)

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (Oct. 19, 2022) - A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 317th Airlift Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, conducts cargo drop training during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1, at Malemute Drop Zone on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 19, 2022. RF-A 23-1 provides an opportunity for international engagement and training in an environment different from many unit’s home base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Julia Lebens) 221019-F-RJ686-1151

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YOKOSUKA, Japan (Nov. 10, 2020) The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) transits Tokyo Bay as it returns to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Antietam’s return marks the end of a nine-month deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Arthur Rosen)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 13, 2021) Sailors aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) fire a 9mm pistol during a small arms qualification. Benfold is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Deanna Gonzales)

BATURAJA, Indonesia (Aug. 10, 2022) - A U.S. Army AH-64E Apache helicopter assigned to 1-229 Attack Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade is flanked by two AH-64E Apache helicopters assigned to 11th Squadron, TNI-AD (Indonesian Army) during a combined arms live fire exercise rehearsal near Baturaja, Indonesia on Aug. 11, 2022 as part of Super Garuda Shield 22. Super Garuda Shield, a part of Operation Pathways and a longstanding annual, bilateral military exercise conducted between the U.S. military, Indonesia National Armed Forces, has now expanded to a multinational exercise encompassing 14 Nations. This exercise reinforces the U.S. commitments to our allies, and other regional partners reinforcing joint readiness, and the interoperability to fight and win together. (U.S. army photo by Capt. Kyle Abraham, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade) 220810-A-OE827-306

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PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 25, 2021) - Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Akizuki-class destroyer JS Akizuki (DD 115) sails in formation with Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) and Royal Australian Navy Hobart-class destroyer HMAS Brisbane (DDG 41). Benfold is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Deanna C. Gonzales) 211025-N-FO714-1036

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America’s First Corps Soldiers go through customs during the Forager 21 exercise at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, July 10, 2021. Forager 21 bolsters the U.S. Army’s capability to rapidly deploy personnel and equipment in order to project power across a complex operational environment in the Pacific region. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Resnick) 210710-A-ZV876-0059

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SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 12, 2020) Enginemen 2nd Class John Jumawid, right, and Eric Torres, both assigned to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords, stow a fire hose on the ship's flight deck, May 12, 2020. Gabrielle Giffords, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brenton Poyser)

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 3, 2022) Sailors launch a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) while conducting small boat operations aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samantha Oblander)

EAST CHINA SEA (Sept. 2, 2021) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Zeltzin Soto, (right), from Ft. Worth, Texas, and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Bryce Davenport, (left), from Plano, Texas, conduct suture training aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52). Barry is deployed supporting Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin Stack)

HAT YAO BEACH, Thailand (Feb. 28, 2019) U.S. Marine Sgt. Derek Leasure and a Royal Thai Marine look on as an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft passes overhead during an amphibious beach landing as part of exercise Cobra Gold 2020. Leasure, a native of Fremont, Ohio, is a platoon guide with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. Exercise Cobra Gold 20, in its 39th iteration, is designed to advance regional security and ensure effective responses to regional crises by bringing together multinational forces to address shared goals and security commitments in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan E. Gilbert)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 24, 2020) The amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), right, sends empty oil barrels to the fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194) during an underway replenishment. New Orleans, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7), along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelby Sanders)

YELLOW SEA (May 24, 2022) Sailors participate in a firefighting drill aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105). Dewey is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samantha Oblander)

SEA OF JAPAN (Sept. 21, 2021) Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Andy Dominguez, from Corona, New York, fires an M-500 shotgun on a practical working course on the flight deck of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65). Benfold is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Deanna Gonzales)

PHILIPPINE SEA (March 26, 2021) Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Aliana Valde, from New City, N.Y., and Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Alyssa Hammaker, from Franklin, N.C., observe a pallet of supplies crossing from the Lewis and Clark class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6) to the deck of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) during a replenishment-at -sea. Benfold is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Deanna Gonzales)

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (Oct. 21, 2022) - U.S. Airmen assigned to the 28th Munitions Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, transport an MK-62 Quickstrike Naval mine to a B-1B Lancer in support of a Bomber Task Force mission at Andersen AFB, Guam, Oct. 21, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions demonstrate lethality and interoperability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Hannah Malone) 221021-F-GF466-0126

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PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 19, 2020) Boatswain's Mate Seaman Joclyn Newsom, from Bakersfield, Calif., directs a landing craft, air cushion, from Naval Beach Unit 7 into the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7), along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelby Sanders)

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan (Nov. 19, 2021) Capt. Ken Ward, left, commanding officer of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), shakes hands with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Rear Adm. Takuhiro Hiragi, commander, Fleet Air Wing 31, on the ship’s flight deck during a port visit. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Berlier)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Nov. 14, 2020) Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Claritza Martinez, from Oakland, Calif., assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), handles line as Ronald Reagan, the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, returns to Yokosuka, Japan, following a six-month deployment. During Ronald Reagan’s deployment, the ship transited nearly 60,000 nautical miles, conducting dual-carrier operations with USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Carrier Strike Group, exercise Valiant Shield, Exercise Keen Sword, Expeditionary Strike Force operations with USS America (LHA 6), flight operations in the Indian Ocean for the first time in more than four years, as well as trilateral integrated operations with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Royal Australian Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)

EAST CHINA SEA (March 16, 2021) Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Melissa Juarez-Garcia, takes notes during a medical training scenario aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54). Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cody Beam)

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 3, 2021) A Civilian Operated AS332 Super Puma embarked on USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10) conducts a vertical replenishment evolution with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) while operating in the Philippine Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Operations Specialist Michael Ojeda)

KUANTAN, Malaysia (June 16, 2023) - Malaysian and United States Armed Forces service members attend the closing ceremony for Exercise Bersama Warrior 23 at the Joint Warfighting Center on Malaysian Armed Forces Headquarters, Kuantan, Padang, Malaysia, June 16, 2023. This year marked the ninth iteration of Bersama Warrior, an annual bilateral joint exercise sponsored by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and hosted by the Malaysian Armed Forces aimed to enhance the U.S. and Malaysian defense readiness and improve interoperability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Alexandria Blanche) 230616-M-QS647-1080

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SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 2, 2021) Seaman Lawrence Molo (right), from Chicago, and Seaman Adam Maley, from Windham, Maine, heave the forward steadying line during small boat operations aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65). Benfold is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Deanna Gonzales)

PHILLIPINE SEA (Aug. 16, 2020) Sailors assigned to the Archangels of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 Detachment 6, load missiles onto an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in preparation for a live-fire exercise. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to maintain security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Cavenaile)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 18, 2021) Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) operates with German Navy frigate FGS Bayern (F 217) and embarked Super Lynx Mk88A helos. Jackson & USS Tulsa (LCS 16), part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, are on a rotational deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (German Navy courtesy photo)