SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 8, 2021) The Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) transit ahead of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during a bilateral exercise with Royal Australian Navy HMAS Ballarat Strike Group, Oct. 8, 2021. 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 2nd Class Jonteil Johnson)