MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Nov. 21, 2023) Ensign Christian Baran, from Baltimore, Maryland, uses a sextant on the bridge wing of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) before a replenishment-at-sea with the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12), Nov. 21, 2023. Paul Ignatius is part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group and is currently operating in the 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 1st Class Zac Shea)