SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 26, 2022) Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Marcus Lopez, from Ontario, Calif., a landing signalman during a vertical replenishment-at-sea, signals an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Blackjacks of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) in the South China Sea. Charleston, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, is on a rotational deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation 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 2nd Class Ryan M. Breeden)