200128-N-AT530-1970 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 28, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ships USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), right, and USS Montgomery (LCS 8) operate in the South China Sea, Jan. 28, 2020. Montgomery and Gabrielle Giffords are on rotational deployments 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)