ADRIATIC SEA (July 12, 2023) Chief Warrant Officer 3 William Sum, assigned to the air department, spots for air control before launching an E-2D Hawkeye assigned to the "Bear Aces" of Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124 from the flight deck of the world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) during flight operations in the Adriatic Sea, July 12, 2023. VAW-124 is deployed aboard Gerald R. Ford as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is participating in Neptune Strike, a multiyear effort focused on harmonizing U.S. and NATO planning teams to transfer command and control of allied naval and amphibious forces to STRIKFORNATO, in order to provide assurance, deterrence, and collective defense for the Alliance. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Simon Pike)