PHILIPPINE SEA (Dec. 31, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Kestrels” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 prepares to launch from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin McTaggart)