GULF OF ADEN (June 11, 2022) Sailors assigned to the "Sea Knights" of Helicopter Sea Combat squadron (HSC 22) perform pre-flight checks on a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter aboard the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Sioux City (LCS 11), while operating in the Gulf of Aden. Sioux City is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas A. Russell)