PHILIPPINE SEA. An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the “Argonauts” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, launches off the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX) 2021, Nov. 28, 2021. ANNUALEX is a multilateral exercise conducted by naval elements of the Royal Australian, Royal Canadian, German, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S. navies to demonstrate naval interoperability and a joint commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Larissa T. Dougherty) PHILIPPINE SEA. An MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to the “Black Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4, prepares to transport supplies from Henry J. Kaiser-class dry cargo ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11) during a vertical replenishment-at-sea with Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Nov. 27, 2021. Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations 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 3rd Class Erin C. Zorich) PHILIPPINE SEA. An MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to the “Black Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4, prepares to transport retrograde from Henry J. Kaiser-class dry cargo ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11) during a vertical replenishment-at-sea with Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Nov. 27, 2021. Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations 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 Logistics Specialist Seaman Brandon Couch) PHILIPPINE SEA. An MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to the “Black Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4, delivers supplies from Henry J. Kaiser-class dry cargo ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11) during a vertical replenishment-at-sea with Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Nov. 27, 2021. Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations 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 3rd Class Nicholas Carter)