PACIFIC OCEAN (June 22, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Derek Barrera, a company joint terminal attack controller from Inglewood, Calif., assigned to Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7 (MAGTF-7) "Ripper" transmits a close air support 9-line to a rotor wing section during close air support training aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD2) in the Pacific Ocean, June 22, 2022. Ripper JTACs are qualified service members who direct the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support to increase combat lethality and deter potential enemy aggression. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sydney Smith)