PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 25, 2021) Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Erick Lucero, from Fontana, Calif., signals a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the Blackjacks of Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) Squadron 21, on the flight deck aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18), during routine flight operations. Charleston, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, is on a rotational deployment, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan M. Breeden)