SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 13, 2021) Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) transits the South China Sea, Sept. 13, 2021. Lake Champlain is embarked with Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group, on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Haydn N. Smith)