PACIFIC OCEAN (May 31, 2022) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Rigoberto Sandoval, from Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, stands as a safety observer while an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the "Raptors" of helicopter maritime strike squadron (HSM) 71, prepares to take off during flight operations aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101). Gridley is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through 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 Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Colby A. Mothershead)