MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Dec. 31, 2023) The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), right, Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), left, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) sail in formation in the Mediterranean Sea, Dec. 31, 2023. 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 Nolan Pennington)