PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 18, 2021) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) sails with the German navy frigate FGS Bayern (F 217) 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)