ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 21, 2023) The first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is underway in formation with the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) during a photo exercise in the Atlantic Ocean, May 21, 2023. Normandy is part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group and is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by the Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Malachi Lakey)