EAST CHINA SEA (Sept. 20, 2021) USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) conducts an underway replenishment with HMCS Winnipeg (FFH 338) in the East China Sea, Sept. 20. The U.S. Navy’s fleet replenishment oiler provided fuel and other critical supplies to the Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigate. Military Sealift Command Far East ensures ships like Tippecanoe are manned, trained and equipped to deliver essential supplies, fuel, cargo and equipment to U.S. forces, allies and partners, both at sea and on shore. As the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet employs 50-70 ships and submarines across the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. U.S. 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific Region. (Photo courtesy of Martin Hanninen)