ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 16, 2021) The Freedom-variant littoral combat ships USS Milwaukee (LCS 5), USS Billings (LCS 15) and USS Sioux City (LCS 11) conduct maritime operations while deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations Dec. 16, 2021. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports joint and command military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability and build enduring partnerships in the Caribbean Sea, Central and South American region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Aaron Lau)