PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 24, 2021) Sailors assigned to forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) move an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) during flight operations. 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, from Artesia, Calif., and Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Joan Revilla, from San Diego, direct the landing 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 (Sept. 10, 2020) Sailors conduct a visit, board, search and seizure exercise in a rigid-hull inflatable boat from 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 (Jan. 20, 2021) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Tony Holland, from Dallas, observes flight deck operations with 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 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)

MUARA, Brunei (Oct. 25, 2022) Leaders from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marines and Royal Brunei Armed Forces pose for a photo after a brief during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei. CARAT Brunei 2022 highlights the 28th anniversary of CARAT among Allies and partners as a way to demonstrate long-term commitment to strengthening relationships throughout South and Southeast Asia and to highlight U.S. Navy commitment to key Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) partners to reinforce ASEAN centrality. 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 Deanna C. Gonzales)

SEA OF JAPAN (Sept. 15, 2021) Chief Boatswain’s Mate Jopearl Deguia, from Rancho Cordova, California, conducts flight operations aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) with a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force SH-60 Seahawk helicopter. 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)

HIJUDAI, OITA, Japan (Feb. 22, 2023) - A solider with the 1st Regimental Landing Team, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, posts security during a convoy operation at Hijudai, Japan on Feb. 22, 2023. The convoy operations provided bi-lateral training to move both U.S. and Japanese supplies and personnel to operational locations throughout Hijudai. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the JGSDF, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Manuel Alvarado) 230222-M-YJ953-1056

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SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 18, 2022) Sailors aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) conduct flight operations. Ralph Johnson is assigned to 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)

TAIWAN STRAIT (June 4, 2020) Ensign Ryan O’Neal, from Wichita, Kan., searches for surface contacts from the pilot house as the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) transits the Taiwan Strait. Russell is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sean Lynch)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 23, 2021) Quartermaster 3rd Class Dustin Docker, left, from Lancaster, Calif., and Ensign Jeffrey Kramer, from San Diego, clear a passageway during a visit, board, search and seizure training exercise aboard 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)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 31, 2020) Seaman Jonathan Schreiber, from Houston, left, and Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Tyron Kelly Pajel, from San Diego, carry chocks and chains from a CH-53 E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) during flight operations on the flight deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). Germantown, part of 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)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 9, 2021) - F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Berlier) 210109-N-BT681-1085

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EAST CHINA SEA (Nov. 10, 2021) Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Daniel Bello, left, from San Jose, California, and Seaman Emilio Hernandez, from El Paso, Texas, scan for surface contacts on the bridge wing of 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)

SEA OF JAPAN (Sept. 15, 2021) Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Nicole Zapata, from Tampa, Florida, signals a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force SH-60 Seahawk helicopter to lift off 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)

EAST CHINA SEA (Nov. 6, 2021) Aviation Electricians Mate 3rd Class Elmuth Pinedaflores, from Hillsboro, Oregon, conducts a maintenance inspection 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 the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin Stack)

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)

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)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Aug. 23, 2021) Fire Controlman 2nd Class Vaughn Olivo, from Beebe, Arkansas, and Gunner's Mate 3rd Class John Rameta, from Tampa, Florida, stand watch on the focsle as Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) gets underway to support MALABAR 2021 and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Barry is deployed supporting Commander, Task Force (CTF 71)/ Destroyer Squadron 15 (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 (Oct. 19, 2020) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) launch an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Archangels of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 Detachment 6. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group and assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, 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)

EAST CHINA SEA (Oct. 13, 2021) Electronics Technician 3rd Class Travis Mosser, from Muncie, Indiana, conducts de-watering training aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) during a general quarters drill. 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)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 29, 2021) Lt. j.g. Sam Hardgrove, from Orlando, Fla., prepares a maneuvering board in the pilot house on 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)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 13, 2021) Machinery Repairman Fireman Alexis Gonzalez, from West Palm Beach, Fla., machines a Baxter bolt onboard USS America (LHA 6). America, 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, 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)

RAMPOYAH LABI TRAINING AREA, Brunei (Oct. 27, 2022) - U.S. Marines and sailors with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit Command Element, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare to conduct a Close Target Reconnaissance practical application in the jungle during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei 2022 on Rampoyah Labi Training Area, Brunei, Oct. 27, 2022. CARAT Brunei 2022 highlights the 28th anniversary of CARAT among allies and partners as a way to demonstrate long-term commitment to strengthening relationships throughout South and Southeast Asia and to highlight U.S. Navy commitment to key Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) partners to reinforce ASEAN centrality. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Sgt. Ryan H. Pulliam) 221027-M-TX547-1006

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PHILIPPINE SEA (June 18, 2021) Fire Controlman 3rd Class Zachary Isaac, from Cartersville, Ga., and Personnel Specialist Chief Achilles Amante, from Jersey City, N.J., fire a 9mm pistol during a small arms qualification 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 2nd Class Deanna Gonzales)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 6, 2020) - Force Reconnaissance Marines with Command Element, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) transit the ship 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 Ensign William Ash) 200906-N-CL550-2000

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EAST CHINA SEA (June 12, 2022) Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Stephen Rosamond, right, from Schaumburg, Ill., observes as Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Adam Espindula, left, from Visalia, Calif., changes the barrel on a .50 caliber machine gun during a crew serve weapons live-fire familiarization 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)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 28, 2021) Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Leslie Horta, from Los Angeles, dons personal protective equipment 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)

EAST CHINA SEA (Nov. 5, 2021) Seaman John Lopez, from Houston, signals 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 the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin Stack)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Aug. 14, 2020) An MH-60R Seahawk assigned to the “Saberhawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 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 3rd Class Jason Tarleton)

EIELSON AFB, Alaska (Aug. 17, 2021) - An F-15C Eagle from Kadena Air Base, Japan, takes off from the flight line at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 17, 2021. Fighter jets from the U.S. Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force inventories gathered in Alaska’s Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, a 77,000 square mile airspace, Aug. 12 - 27 to simulate air combat scenarios to refine air tactics and joint operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christian Conrad) 210817-F-VG042-1113

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PHILIPPINE SEA (March 24, 2021) Damage Controlman 3rd Class Kentorian Hilson, from Albany, Ga., practices firefighting procedures during a damage control training exercise aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65). 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 (Feb. 10, 2021) Lt. Cmdr. Marissa Mayor, from Mesa, Ariz., performs a routine lymph node insicional biopsy surgery aboard 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)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 25, 2020) Junior Officer of the Deck, Ensign Yeltsin Rodriguez, from Des Moines, Iowa, takes a bearing using a telescopic alidade on the starboard bridge wing of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) as the ship sails in formation with the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), left, and the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). 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)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 16, 2021) A CV-22B Osprey from the U.S. Air Force 21st Special Operations Squadron lands 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)

EAST CHINA SEA (March 27, 2021) Operations Specialist Seaman Bethany Cruz, from Washington, D.C., stands watch as the surface warfare supervisor 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)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 7, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), their embarked MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, and the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14) conduct 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 Operations Specialist 1st Class Stephen Kuhs)

EAST CHINA SEA (March 27, 2021) Operations Specialist 2nd Class Javontae Kelly, from Detroit, Mich., stands watch as the tactical information coordinator 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)

EAST CHINA SEA (Aug. 3, 2020) Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Brian Peterson, from Vancouver, Wash., right, and Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Tyron Kelly Pajel, from San Diego, handle fire hoses during an aircraft crash and salvage drill 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)

KIN BLUE, OKINAWA, Japan (March 10, 2023) - U.S. Navy corpsmen with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and soldiers with the 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, carry simulated casualties into a CH-47 Chinook during a casualty evacuation exercise on Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan on March 10, 2023. The training enabled the bilateral medical team to practice in-route care and shock trauma field training during Iron Fist 23. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the JGSDF, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bridgette Rodriguez) 230310-M-CX509-1088

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PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 20, 2021) Marine machine gun teams fire 50-cal and M240 machine guns during a live-fire gunnery training exercise aboard 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 (Sept. 2, 2021) Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Aiden Peisel, from Jackson, Georgia, participates in color guard practice 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)

EAST CHINA SEA (Jan. 16, 2022) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Elena Gurule, from Rio Rancho, New Mexico, assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) signals an MH-60 Seahawk Helicopter assigned to the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25. 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)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 24, 2021) Sailors simulate fighting a fire with a charged hose during a firefighting drill 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)

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)

TAIWAN STRAIT (June 4, 2020) Ensign Lucia Donnelly, from New Providence, N.J., looks through a polaris in the pilot house as the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) transits the Taiwan Strait. Russell is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sean Lynch)