PACIFIC OCEAN (June 16, 2022) Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, center, speaks with Sailors assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 in the hangar bay aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 16, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter Burghart)