PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 18, 2021) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) operates with German navy frigate FGS Bayern (F 217) and embarked Super Lynx Mk88A helicopters in the Philippine Sea. Jackson and the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16), part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, are on a rotational deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation 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)