SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 14, 2023) The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), left, replenishes from the Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn (T-AO 198) in the South China Sea. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU), are conducting combined expeditionary strike force operations, demonstrating unique high-end warfighting capability, maritime superiority, power projection and readiness. Operations include integrated training designed to advance interoperability between the two groups while simultaneously demonstrating the U.S. commitment to our alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. Nimitz is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Caitlin Flynn)