PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 6, 2023) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) transits the Pacific Ocean with the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga (DDH 181), USS Robert Smalls (CG 62), the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS Kidd (DDG 100) during Multi-Large Deck Event (MLDE), Nov. 6, 2023. The Carl Vinson and Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Groups and the JMSDF are participating in MLDE to advance combined readiness while simultaneously demonstrating a commitment to partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific region. The Carl Vinson and Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Groups are deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations and in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class No�l O. Heeter)