A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, flies above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during a training sortie for RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2, June 22, 2022. The 18th Aggressor Squadron supports RFA by sharing its knowledge of adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures to participating units, ensuring the United States and its allies receive the best air combat training possible. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan)

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)

EAST CHINA SEA (Sept. 18, 2021) Seaman Kaleb Hall from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, responds to a new course from the pilot house 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 (March 3, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force guided-missile destroyer JS Shiranui (DDG 120) and helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182) sail in formation 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 (Aug. 23, 2021) An F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) takes off from 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)

PHILIPPINE SEA (March 3, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Benfold (DDG 65) and USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) sail in formation with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force guided-missile destroyer JS Shiranui (DDG 120) and helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182) 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)

OAHU, Hawaii-- World War II era warbirds fly in formation over Oahu Sept. 1, 2020, for the 75th Anniversary of the End of WWII Commemoration. World War II remains a historic reminder of how the dedicated resolve of allies with a common purpose and shared vision built proven partnerships that endure. Today the U.S. Military continues to stand together with allies and partners in maintaining a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Anthony Nelson) 200901-F-RE693-0206

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PHILIPPINE SEA (June 28, 2021) A P-8A Poseidon from the “Red Lancers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 10 and EA-18G Growlers from the “Scorpions” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132 fly in formation 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)

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (Oct. 24, 2022) - A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, prepares to land at Andersen AFB, Guam, in support of a Bomber Task Force mission, Oct. 24, 2022. Carrying the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, the multi-mission B-1 is the backbone of America's long-range bomber force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Hannah Malone) 221024-F-GF466-0037

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EAST CHINA SEA (Sept. 20, 2021) Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) approaches Henry J. Kaiser class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) for 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)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, flies above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during a training sortie for RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2, June 22, 2022. The 18th Aggressor Squadron supports RFA by sharing its knowledge of adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures to participating units, ensuring the United States and its allies receive the best air combat training possible. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan)

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (March 31, 2022) - U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 3rd Wing taxi after landing at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport during Polar Force 22-4 in Anchorage, Alaska, March 31, 2022. The F-22 performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, making it a vital tool to the 21st Century Air Force. The F-22's characteristics provide synergistic effects, increasing lethality against all advanced air threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Samuel Colvin) 220331-F-YL679-1101

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PHILIPPINE SEA (June 19, 2021) Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) heave a line during a replenishment-at-sea with the Lewis and Clark class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6). 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)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 16, 2020) A visit, board, search and seizure team from the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) approaches a simulated suspect vessel during a training exercise. 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)

KUSHIRO PORT, Japan (Sept. 29, 2022) Sailors attached to Navy Cargo Handling Battalion (NHCB) 1 conjoin hoisting straps in preparation for a crane lift aboard USNS Dahl (T-AKR 312) in support of Operation Resolute Dragon 22. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise between the Japan Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy. The exercise is taking place across eight geographically-separated training areas throughout Japan with a focus on distributed operations, coastal defense, and integrated live-fire training. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Storm Henry)

SEA OF JAPAN (Sept. 15, 2021) Sailors chock and chain a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force SH-60 Seahawk helicopter 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 (Sept. 1, 2020) The forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) transits the Philippine Sea. 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 3rd Class Walter Estrada)

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (Jan. 28, 2021) - A F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron lands at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 28, 2021. This team of F-16s arrived at Yokota in preparation for Exercise Cope North 21, a trilateral exercise targeting interoperability with allied partners in the area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe) 210128-F-PM645-6903

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YOKOSUKA, Japan (Nov. 14, 2020) Sailors prepare to handle line as the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), 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 (July 26, 2020) Landing signalman, Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class John King, from East Lake, Ohio, signals to an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter as it lowers stores pallets to the flight deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) during a vertical replenishment-at-sea with the dry cargo ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3). 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)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 6, 2020) A Force Reconnaissance Marine with Command Element, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) performs a simulated breach utilizing a welding torch during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). 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)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 23, 2021) An F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) takes off from 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)

EAST CHINA SEA (Nov. 10, 2021) Fire Controlman 2nd Class Caleb Platte, from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, conducts a fresh water wash-down on 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 (Jan. 4, 2021) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Brian Bickmeier, from Los Angeles, directs personnel movements on the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) during flight operations with an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 (HSC 12) "Golden Falcons". 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)

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (June 16, 2023) - A U.S. Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk assigned to the 33rd Rescue Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, conducts air-to-air refueling from a KC-130J Hercules assigned to the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252), Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-2 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, June 16, 2023. The JPARC airspace covers more than 77,000 square miles and provides a realistic training environment allowing Airmen to train for full spectrum engagements, ranging from individual skills to complex, large-scale joint engagements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Julia Lebens) 230616-F-RJ686-1219

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SOUTH CHINA SEA (Aug. 14, 2020) An F/A-18E assigned to the 'Dambusters' of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 prepares to launch 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)

EAST CHINA SEA (March 16, 2022) Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Ian Delaughter (left), from Charleston, South Carolina, fires a shot line from Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) during a replenishment-at-sea with Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE-9). Ralph Johnson is assigned to 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)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 15, 2021) A U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk conducts deck landing qualifications on the flight deck aboard 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)

EAST CHINA SEA (Nov. 4, 2021) Ensign Joseph Kelly, from Erie, Pennsylvania, shoots a bearing through the pelorus 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 9, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Sterling Houston, from Phoenix, mans the helm as the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) transits the East China Sea. Curtis Wilbur is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cody Beam)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 15, 2020) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Alex Sagastume, left, from Pearson, Ga., supports Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Tony Holland, from Dallas, as he directs the landing of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft 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 (Nov. 16, 2021) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) conduct flight operations with CV-22B Osprey aircraft from the U.S. Air Force 21st Special Operations Squadron. 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 (Sept. 9, 2020) A Marine assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) provides security during a Beach Reconnaissance exercise. America, flagship of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven and 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 3rd Class Jomark A. Almazan)

TAIWAN STRAIT (Oct. 14, 2020) The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) conducts routine operations in the Indo-Pacific region. 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)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 12, 2021) Ensign Sylvie Debrosse, from Dayton, Ohio, scans the horizon for surface contacts on the bridge wing of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) during routine operations. Barry 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 Seaman Justin Stack)

EAST CHINA SEA (March 9, 2020) Seaman Chengxun Lin , from Yantai, China, looks through binoculars as the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) transits the East China Sea. Curtis Wilbur is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cody Beam)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 25, 2021) Operations Specialist 3rd Class Gabriel Franco, from Boca Raton, Florida, stands the surface warfare supervisor watch 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)

SASEBO, Japan (Aug. 9, 2020) Landing craft, air cushion 9, assigned to Naval Beach Unit 7, transits the waters of Sasebo Harbor, Japan as it 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 (Aug. 26, 2020) Sailors assigned to the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) participate in a visit, board, search and seizure exercise aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). Germantown, part of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU 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)

KUSHIRO PORT, Japan (Sept. 30, 2022) Sailors attached to the Naval Supporting Element board an Improved Navy Lighterage System craft lowered from USNS Dahl (T-AKE 312) from a support boat in support of Operation Resolute Dragon 22. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise between the Japan Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy. The exercise is taking place across eight geographically-separated training areas throughout Japan with a focus on distributed operations, coastal defense, and integrated live-fire training. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Storm Henry)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Nov. 14, 2020) The Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), 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 (Aug. 4, 2020) Lt. j. g. Andrew Barrie, from Yokosuka, Japan, stands watch on the bridge as the officer of the deck during a full power engine run aboard 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)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 2, 2021) Sailors aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) participate in color guard practice. 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)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 16, 2022) Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) pulls alongside Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE-6) in preparation for a replenishment-at-sea. Ralph Johnson is assigned to 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)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 8, 2021) Chief Gunner’s Mate Adam Parker, from El Paso, Texas, right, instructs Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Derek Garcia, from Deltona, Fla., left, as he fires a M240B machine gun during a live-fire crew-served weapons training exercise aboard forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). 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, serving as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kelsey Culbertson)

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 16, 2023) - U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, board a MV-22B Osprey during fly away drills aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6), in the Pacific Ocean, June 16, 2023. The fly away drills improved coordination between the ground combat element and the air combat element for future operations. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 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. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Abigail Godinez) 230616-M-NG717-1008

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EAST CHINA SEA (April 1, 2021) Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Ryan Dorsey prepares to close a scuttle aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during damage control drill. 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 2nd Class Cody Beam)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 6, 2020) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Archangels of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 Detachment 6 transports cargo to the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during a replenishment-at-sea. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike 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 Seaman Matthew Cavenaile)

YELLOW SEA (May 24, 2022) Damage Controlman Fireman Andres Barrientos, from Mesa, Ariz., checks for hot spots during 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)

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (Oct. 13, 2022) - A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing flies over the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, flight line while RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 takes place Oct. 13, 2022. In addition to providing a training location for RF-A 23-1, JBER provides air sovereignty, combat training, force staging and through output operations in support of worldwide contingencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Julia Lebens) 221013-F-RJ686-1529

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