EAST CHINA SEA (Sept. 1, 2022) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Elena Gurele from Rio Rancho, New Mexico, assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), directs an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, Det. 6, to take off from the ship's flight deck while conducting a vertical replenishment exercise while sailing in the East China Sea, Sept. 1, 2022. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Theodore C. Lee)