MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Oct. 16, 2023) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) signal an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the "Tridents" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9 during flight quarters in support of routine operations, Oct. 16, 2023. Thomas Hudner is part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group and is currently operating in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, at the direction of the Secretary of Defense. The U.S. maintains forward-deployed, ready, and postured forces to deter aggression and support security and stability around the world. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Klineizquierdo)