SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 9, 2021) Sailors assigned to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16) and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21 (HSC-21) conduct flight operations, July 9. Tulsa, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chase Stephens)