SASEBO, Japan (Aug. 1, 2020) A landing craft, utility from Navy Beachmaster Unit 7 conducts amphibious operations in the well 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)

EAST CHINA SEA (Aug. 4, 2020) The amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) executes a reverse engine maneuver during a full power engine run. 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 (Sept. 14, 2020) As seen from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), left, conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11). Germantown, 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 Taylor DiMartino)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 28, 2022) Vice President Kamala Harris addresses service members aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) during her visit to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). The Vice President’s tour of the ship and her remarks to U.S. service members highlight the administration’s continued commitment to its alliances in the region. Howard 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)

CORAL SEA (July 21, 2021) An F-35B Lightning fighter aircraft from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit lands on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during Exercise Talisman Sabre 21. Talisman Sabre 21, the ninth iteration and conducted since 2005, occurs biennially across Northern Australia. Australian, U.S. and other multinational partner forces use Talisman Sabre to enhance interoperability by training in complex, multi-domain operations scenarios that address the full range of Indo-Pacific security concerts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan D. Berlier)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 27, 2021) MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters assigned to the Archangels of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 carry cargo to the flight deck of USS New Orleans (LPD 18) during a replenishment-at-sea with the fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194). America, flagship of Expeditionary Strike 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.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 29, 2021) Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) fires a 5-inch gun during a gunnery exercise. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Commander, 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 Zenaida Roth)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Aug. 14, 2020) An F/A-18F assigned to the “Diamondbacks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 lands on the flight deck of America’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) while conducting operations in the South China Sea. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, as well the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Codie L. Soule)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 28, 2022) Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) launches a Standard Missile (SM) 2 during a live-fire missile exercise as part of Pacific Vanguard (PV) 22 while operating in the Philippine Sea. PV22 is an exercise with a focus on interoperability and the advanced training and integration of allied maritime forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Greg Johnson)

INDIAN OCEAN (June 24, 2021) FA-18E’s from VFA-115 and VFA-195 traverse the flight deck of the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is attached to Commander, Task Force 70/Carrier Strike Group 5 conducting underway operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Operations Specialist Michael Ojeda)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 27, 2021) Amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and Palau Bureau of Maritime Security patrol boat PSS President H.I. Remeliik II patrol the Philippine Sea in formation. 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)

SASEBO, Japan (Aug. 9, 2020) Landing craft, air cushion 10, assigned to Naval Beach Unit 7, prepares to enter the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) as the ship conducts amphibious operations. Germantown, part of the 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 (Jan. 10, 2021) An F-35B Lightning II assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) prepares to launch from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready 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.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 27, 2021) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 conducts replenishment operations with dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3). HSC 25, part of the America Expeditionary Strike 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)

EAST CHINA SEA (Oct. 25, 2021) An MH-60R Sea Hawk, assigned to the “Warlords” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51, conducts flight operations 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)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 16, 2021) A CV-22B Osprey from the U.S. Air Force 21st Special Operations Squadron takes off from the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). 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 D. Berlier)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 20, 2021) Flight deck personnel unload cargo from an MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). 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)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 21, 2021) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Cosme Zamora, from Compton, Calif., assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), signals an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) on the ship’s flight deck. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike 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.

EAST CHINA SEA (Nov. 3, 2021) U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) prepares to sail alongside Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Mashu-class replenishment ship JS Omi (AOE-426) for a replenishment-at-sea. 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)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 6, 2021) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct a fast rope exercise with a CH-53E Super Stallion on the flight deck of forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). 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)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 29, 2021) Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) fires a 5-inch gun during a gunnery exercise. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Commander, 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 Zenaida Roth)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 12, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) conducts routine operations in the South China Sea, 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 (Aug. 26, 2020) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) transit the Philippine Sea to maintain stability in the region. America, flagship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, assigned to Amphibious Squadron Eleven, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations 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 Seaman Matthew Cavenaile)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 20, 2021) A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262, sits ready for takeoff on the flight deck of amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of the America Expeditionary Strike 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)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 7, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) conducts routine operations in the South China Sea. Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Lt. j.g Tim Wu)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 10, 2021) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) conduct flight operations with an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready 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.

CORAL SEA (July 21, 2021) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) transits the Coral Sea during Exercise Talisman Sabre 21. Talisman Sabre 21, the ninth iteration and conducted since 2005, occurs biennially across Northern Australia. Australian, U.S. and other multinational partner forces use Talisman Sabre to enhance interoperability by training in complex, multi-domain operations scenarios that address the full range of Indo-Pacific security concerts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan D. Berlier)

EAST CHINA SEA (Sept. 18, 2021) Conning Officer Ensign Cecori Squires, from Raleigh, North Carolina, orders a new course from the bridge wing aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) during routine operations. 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 (Sept. 1, 2020) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) transits the Philippine Sea with amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). America and Germantown, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, are 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 Walter Estrada)

EAST CHINA SEA (Nov. 3, 2021) Sailors aboard U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) receive fuel from Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Mashu-class replenishment ship JS Omi (AOE-426) during a replenishment-at-sea. 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)

OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 19, 2020) Landing Craft, Air Cushion 10, assigned to Naval Beach Unit 7, currently attached to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), conducts amphibious operations in waters off Blue Beach. Germantown, 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 Taylor DiMartino)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 4, 2021) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Brian Bickmeier, from Los Angeles, directs the launching of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 (HSC 12) "Golden Falcons" aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of Amphibious Squadron 11 (CPR 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 3, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) sails in formation with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force missile destroyer JS Harusame (DD 102) during the annual U.S.-Japan Bilateral Advanced Warfighting Training Exercise. BAWT focuses on joint training and interoperability of coalition forces, and enables real-world proficiency and readiness in response to any contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Deanna C. Gonzales)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 17, 2020) A CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) takes off from the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, assigned to Amphibious Squadron Eleven, 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 Seaman Matthew Cavenaile)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 7, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) conducts routine operations near Panamanian flagged drillship, West Capella. Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, conducting operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region and working hull-to-hull with allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Aircrewmen Helicopter 3rd Class Christopher Fred)

SASEBO, Japan (Aug. 9, 2020) Sailors participate in a foreign object debris walk-down in the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) as the ship prepares to conduct amphibious operations. Germantown, part of the 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)

EAST CHINA SEA (Jan. 16, 2022) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) move an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft on the ship’s flight deck. 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 2nd Class Jonathan D. Berlier)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 11, 2021) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) conduct flight operations with an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready 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.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 16, 2021) CV-22B Osprey aircraft, from the U.S. Air Force 21st Special Operations Squadron, land on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). 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 D. Berlier)

PHILIPPINE SEA (July 21, 2020) From left, HMAS Hobart (DDG 39), HMAS Arunta (FFH 151), HMAS Canberra (L02), HMAS Sirius (O 266), the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), JS Teruzuki (DD 116) and HMAS Stuart (FFH 153) steam in formation during a trilateral exercise. Trilateral exercises between the JMSDF, ADF and U.S. Navy support shared goals of peace and stability while enhancing regional security and the right of all nations to trade, communicate, and choose their destiny in a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Codie L. Soule)

PHILIPPINE SEA (March 26, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts a break away from the Lewis and Clark class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6) after a replenishment-at-sea. McCain 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)

EAST CHINA SEA (Sept. 27, 2021) Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Evan Sand, from Clearwater, Minnesota, signals a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter assigned to the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, during a deck landing qualification on the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52). 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)

PHUKET, Thailand (Aug. 15, 2021) U.S. Navy and Thailand Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Thai MECC) personnel practice maritime tactics, techniques and procedures during Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) exercise. In its 20th year, SEACAT is a multilateral exercise designed to enhance cooperation among 21 participating Southeast Asian countries and provide mutual support and a common goal to address crises, contingencies, and illegal activities in the maritime domain in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (Thailand Maritime Enforcement Command Center courtesy photo)

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 3, 2021) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) conduct a simultaneous replenishment-at-sea with the Henry J. Kaiser-class underway replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO-204).

(U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Operations Specialist Michael Ojeda)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 17, 2020) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) conduct flight operations with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced). America, lead ship 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)

EAST CHINA SEA (Oct. 25, 2021) Sailors aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) refuel an MH-60R Sea Hawk assigned to the “Warlords” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51. 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 (Jan. 11, 2021) An F-35B Lightning II assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) lands on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready 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.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Aug. 14, 2020) An F/A-18E assigned to the “Diamondbacks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 launches off the flight deck of America’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) while conducting operations in the South China Sea. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, as well the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason Tarleton)

PHILIPPINE SEA (July 21, 2020) From left, HMAS Arunta (FFH 151), HMAS Hobart (DDG 39), USS Mustin (DDG 89), HMAS Canberra (L02), USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), HMAS Sirius (O 266), USS Antietam (CG 54), JS Teruzuki (DD 116) and HMAS Stuart (FFH 153) steam in formation during a trilateral exercise. Trilateral exercises between the JMSDF, ADF and U.S. Navy support shared goals of peace and stability while enhancing regional security and the right of all nations to trade, communicate, and choose their destiny in a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Codie L. Soule)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 6, 2020) As seen from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) sails in the South China Sea during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise aboard Germantown. Germantown, 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 Taylor DiMartino)