SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 27, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) transits the South China Sea, Oct. 27, 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 Ensign Mallorie Miller)