200113-N-AT530-1025 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 13, 2020) Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Hunter Crochet, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, observes as an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter takes off from the flight deck of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), Jan. 13, 2020. Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, 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 Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released)