190509-N-UM706-0063 RED SEA (May 9, 2019) An MH-60R Sea Hawk Helicopter assigned to the “Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 46 aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) takes off from the ship’s flight deck. Nitze is underway as part of Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG), which is deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in order to defend American forces and interests in the region. With Abraham Lincoln as the flagship, deployed strike group assets include staffs, ships and aircraft of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW 7); as well as the Spanish navy Alvaro de Bazan-class frigate ESPS Mendez Nunez (F 104). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Madysson Anne Ritter/Released)