PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 7, 2021) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Alston Adams, from Columbia, South Carolina, directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 on the flight deck of the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gray Gibson)