SEA OF JAPAN (Sept. 29, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet launches from the flight deck of the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), as it steams in formation with the Republic of Korea (ROK) navy ROKS Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong (DDG 993) and ROKS Gwanggaeto the Great (DDH 971), in waters east of the Korean Peninsula. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is participating with the ROK Navy in Maritime Counter Special Operations Exercise (MCSOFEX) to strengthen interoperability and training. The U.S. routinely conducts CSG operations in the waters around the ROK to exercise maritime maneuvers, strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance, and improve regional security. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Louis Thompson Staats IV)