PACIFIC OCEAN (June 9, 2023) The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) steams into formation during a multiple large deck event. Ships involved in the event are the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76); the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Robert Smalls (CG 62), USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and USS Antietam (CG 54); the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) and USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93); Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Izumo-class destroyer JS Izumo (DDH 183) and Murasame-class destroyer JS Samidare (DD 106); and French Navy Aquitaine-class frigate FS Lorraine (D 657). Nimitz 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 Kenneth Lagadi)