PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan 25, 2022) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) approaches the Royal New Zealand Navy oiler HMNZS Aotearoa (A11) for a replenishment at sea as it supports disaster relief efforts in Tonga. The ship is operating in support of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The Australian Government response is coordinating closely with France and New Zealand under the FRANZ partnership, alongside Fiji, Japan, United Kingdom and the United States to assist Tonga in its time of need. Sampson is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with 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 Naval Aircrewmen (Helicopter) 2nd Class John Allen)