SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 30, 2023) The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) fires a Mark 15 Phalanx close-in weapon system (CIWS) during a weapons readiness exercise. 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 Samuel Osborn)