SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 7, 2021) – The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) transits the South China Sea as part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group April 7, 2021. 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 Alexander B. Williams)