170125-N-BL637-225 PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 25, 2017) Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) prepare an F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2 for take-off. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a western Pacific deployment as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of U.S. 3rd fleet. U.S Navy aircraft carrier strike groups have patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific regularly and routinely for more than 70 years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean M. Castellano/Released)