GULF OF ALASKA (May 4, 2021) Aviation Boatswain�s Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Michael Ruiz, from San Antonio, watches an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the �Blue Diamonds� of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146, launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in support of Northern Edge 2021. Approximately 15,000 U.S. service members are participating in a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces May 3-14, 2021, on and above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, the Gulf of Alaska, and temporary maritime activities area. NE21 is one in a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercises designed to sharpen the joint forces' skills, to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures, to improve command, control and communication relationships, and to develop cooperative plans and programs. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Eduardo Torres)