172024-N-LK571-042 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 24, 2017) Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) prepare for a replenishment-at-sea with the “Black Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4 and the dry-cargo and ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4). 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 photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew P. Granito/Released)