SASEBO, Japan (Jan. 10, 2023) Fire Controlman 3rd Class C.J. Hixson, from Columbus, Ohio, assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), uses a hand crank to position a NATO Sea Sparrow missile into a missile launcher while underway. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group 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 stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cole Pursley)