YOKOSUKA, Japan (July 8, 2021) Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Vice Adm. Karl Thomas relieves Vice Adm. Bill Merz of command during the 7th Fleet change of command ceremony at the Fleet Activities Yokosuka Theater. Under Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy�s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Kitchner)