SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 6, 2021) An EA-18G Growler, assigned to the "Gauntlets" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136, prepares to launch off the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Oct. 6, 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 Seaman Emily Claire Bennett)