SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 8, 2022) The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) sails through the South China Sea Oct. 8, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Maci Sternod)