SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 15, 2023) The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) participate in a photo exercise during expeditionary strike force (ESF) operations 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)