PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 18, 2022) Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Marcel Thomas, from Marlboro, Maryland, assigned to the "Blackjacks" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, stands by during a functional check flight for an MQ-8B Fire Scout on the flight deck of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16). Tulsa, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations 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 by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Devin M. Langer)