PHILIPPINE SEA (June 27, 2022) Gunner's Mate Seaman Braden Mauch, from Arlington, Virginia, observes as target buoys are released from the fantail of the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) prior to a live-fire exercise. The target buoy provides Sailors a water-borne target to fire at during weapons qualifications and training exercises. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)