PHILIPPINE SEA (Sep. 20, 2021) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18), right, sails with Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS AOTEAROA (A11), during a division tactics exercise. 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)