PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 18, 2021) The Independence-variant littoral combat ships USS Tulsa (LCS 16), left, and USS Jackson (LCS 6), right, transit the Philippine Sea with the German navy frigate FGS Bayern (F 217). Jackson & Tulsa, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, are on a rotational deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of the German navy)