200123-N-AT530-1061 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 23, 2020) Sailors assigned to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) refuel an MQ-8B Fire Scout of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 (HSC 23), Jan. 23, 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)