MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Aug. 14, 2023) The first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) steams in formation with the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) during a photo exercise, Aug. 14, 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)