YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 8, 2021) Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Sam Paparo, left, greets Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Vice Adm. Bill Merz onboard Fleet Activities Yokosuka, June 8, 2021 as part of a scheduled tour to Japan. As the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet employs 50-70 ships and submarines across the western Pacific and Indian oceans. U.S. 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 Aron Montano)