191118-N-NP779-1124 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Nov. 18, 2019) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) transits the South China Sea. Gabrielle Giffords is on a rotational deployment to Indo-Pacific region, 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 1st Class Ty C. Connors/Released)