SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 13, 2022) From left to right, the aircraft destroyer USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), the fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194), and the guided-missile destroyer USS O’Kane (DDG 77), transit the South China Sea with the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during replenishment-at-sea operations, Jan. 13. Joint Expeditionary Strike Force operations are conducted by the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and Essex Amphibious Ready Group to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brett McMinoway)