EAST CHINA SEA (March 29, 2021) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 prepares to land aboard the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) guided-missile destroyer JS Kongo (DDG 173) during a bilateral exercise in the East China Sea, March 29, 2021. These types of operations provide an opportunity for each partner nation to share their unique capabilities in shipboard maneuvering procedures, maritime skills and interoperability. Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as 7th Fleet command ship, actively works to foster relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Erik Rivera Jr.)