191202-N-FV739-0069 CHANGI NAVAL BASE, Singapore (Dec. 2, 2019) Vice Adm. Bill Merz, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, tours the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8). Montgomery is on a rotational deployment to USINDOPACOM, 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 Christopher A. Veloicaza/Released)