PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 19, 2021) Sailors aboard the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Kongo-class guided-missile destroyer JS Chokai (DDG 176) man the rails in preparation for a passing honors ceremony with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90), Sept. 19, 2021. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is 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 Aaron T. Smith)