PACIFIC OCEAN (July 28, 2021) Boatswain�s Mate 1st Class Jeremy Hernandez from Edna, Texas, signals an MH-60 Sea Hawk assigned to the �Merlins� of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3 during deck landing qualifications aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4). The littoral combat ship (LCS) is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. The LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Hector Carrera)