NORWEGIAN SEA (June 5, 2023) The first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) prepares to steam in formation with the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), the Type 23 frigate HSMS Northumberland (F 238), the Daring-class air-defense destroyer HMS Defender (D36), the Tide-class replenishment oiler RAF Tidespring (A 1366), the Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate HNoMS Otto Sverdrup (F 312), and the Skjold-class corvette HNoMS Steil during a photo exercise, June 5, 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 Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Malachi Lakey)