ROTA, SPAIN (May 17, 2021) The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) prepares to get underway in Rota, Spain, May 17, 2020, in support of the NATO-led joint multilateral exercise Steadfast Defender 2021. Staff from Joint Force Command Norfolk and U.S. 2nd Fleet, as the Maritime Component Command, are charged with employing maritime forces ready to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests. Steadfast Defender 2021 is a defensive exercise based on an Article 5 scenario which is designed to deter aggression and respond to crisis if necessary. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Eric Ramirez)