SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 15, 2023) The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) launches a landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) and an F-35B Lighting II, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VFMA) 112, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, during a photo exercise with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group including the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73), Feb. 15, 2023 in the South China Sea. Decatur, part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, 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 Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Negron)