SOUTH CHINA SEA (June 21, 2023) An F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 takes off from the flight deck of the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), during flight operations in the South China Sea, June 21, 2023. The Eagles conduct carrier-based air strikes and strike force escort missions, as well as ship, battle group, and intelligence collection operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan EstradaEguizabal)