SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 18, 2022) Lt. Eric Stein, right, from Carpinteria, Calif., and Lt. Brandon White, from Sharpsburg, Ken., shooters assigned to the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), launch an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27. The Royal Maces conduct carrier-based air strike and strike force escort missions, as well as ship, battle group, and intelligence collection operations. 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 3rd Class Gray Gibson)