PHILIPPINE SEA (Sep. 20, 2021) Sailors aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) stand on the flight deck while training with the Royal New Zealand Navy ships HMNZS TE KAHA (F77) and HMNZS AOTEAROA (A11). 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. (Royal New Zealand Navy courtesy photo)