PALAU (Sept. 2, 2021) Gunner's Mate 1st Class Christopher Cardenas, stands watch on the forecastle aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6). Jackson, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, is on a rotational deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation 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 Kelsey S. Culbertson)