190305-N-IO414-1070 SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 5, 2019) Mineman 2nd Class Brian Sepulveda, from Huron, California, renders honors to the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) aboard the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Chief (MCM 14) while transiting the South China Sea. Chief, part of Mine Countermeasure Squadron 7, is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response platform for contingency operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Crouch/Released)