200113-N-AT530-1783 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 13, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) operates in the South China Sea, 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)