SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 4, 2021) Sailors prepare to position aircraft while conducting flight operations on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Oct. 4, 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 3rd Class Nicholas Carter)