170215-N-HD638-033 PHILLIPINE SEA (Feb. 15, 2017) Cmdr. Derek Duford, commanding officer of the “Blue Blasters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34, dons survival equipment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The ship and its 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 photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matt Brown/Released)