170925-N-IO414-024 SASEBO, Japan (Sept. 25, 2017) Vice Adm. Tom Rowden, commander of Naval Surface Forces, speaks with Sailors assigned to the Avenger-class mine countermeasure ships USS Patriot (MCM 7), USS Pioneer (MCM 9), USS Warrior (MCM 10) and USS Chief (MCM 14) during an all-hands call on the pier at Fleet Activities Sasebo. Rowden is visiting Fleet Activities Sasebo, home of U.S. 7th Fleet’s forward-deployed amphibious ships, to better understand forward-deployed readiness challenges and to discuss the role of the new Naval Surface Group Western Pacific organization. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Crouch/Released)