GROTON, Conn. The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Indiana (SSN 789) makes its way past the U.S. Coast Guard barque USCGC Eagle (WIX-327) after departing Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn. for routine operations, Jan. 7, 2022. Indiana is the 16th Virginia-class submarine and is third U.S. Navy vessel named in honor of the Hoosier State. (U.S. Navy photo by John Narewski)ARABIAN GULF. Ships from partner nations of Combined Task Force North participate in a photo exercise during International Maritime Exercise/Cutlass Express (IMX/CE) 2022 in the Arabian Gulf, Feb. 9, 2022. IMX/Cutlass Express 2022 is the largest multinational training event in the Middle East, involving more than 60 nations and international organizations committed to enhancing partnerships and interoperability to strengthen maritime security and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Helen Brown)PHILIPPINE SEA. An F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) launches from the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during joint Exercise Noble Fusion. Noble Fusion demonstrates that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with a carrier strike group, as well as other joint force elements and allies, in order to conduct lethal sea-denial operations, seize key maritime terrain, guarantee freedom of movement, and create advantage for US, partner and allied forces. Naval Expeditionary forces conduct training throughout the year, in the Indo-Pacific, to maintain readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Thomas B. Contant)PHILIPPINE SEA. Aviation BoatswainÕs Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Chad Kihoi, from Aiea, Hawaii., assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), signals to an MV-22B Osprey attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), during flight operations, Feb. 9, 2022. Essex, flagship of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), along with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with alliances and partners and serve as a ready response force to ensure maritime security and a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Isaak Martinez)
