PHILIPPINE SEA (June 16, 2022) Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Zachary G. Whitley, from Sulphur Springs, Texas, verifies all Vertical Missile System pre-fire checks aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65), June 16, 2022. Petty Officer Whitley launched Benfold’s Standard Missile 6 in support of the coordinated multi-domain, multi-axis, long-range maritime strikes against the former Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Vandegrift as part of Valiant Shield 2022. Benfold is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force and is on routine deployment as part of Carrier Strike Group 5. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Arthur Rosen)