ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 26, 2021) The Combat Systems Engineering Department of Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) Flagship HMCS Halifax conducts Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) pre-fire checks and ammunition loading in advance of an anti-aircraft training serial off the coast of Portugal on May 26, 2021 during Exercise Steadfast Defender 21 (STDE21). STDE21 is a defensive exercise based on an Article 5 scenario which is designed to deter aggression and respond to crisis if necessary. STDE21’s Maritime Live Exercise is taking place from 20-30 May, 2021 in the waters off Lisbon, Portugal. (NATO photo by Sailor 1st Class Bryan Underwood, Royal Canadian Navy).