INDIAN OCEAN (March 31, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) flies the battle ensign while transiting with the Indian navy Saryu-class partol ship INS Sumitra (P59) during a passing exercise, March 31, 2021. Russell, part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Wade Costin)