200120-N-AT530-1219 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 20, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), left, conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the dry-cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3), while an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 is airborne, Jan. 20, 2020. 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 Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released)