SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 9, 2024) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), front, conducts joint operations in the South China Sea with the Philippine navy offshore patrol vessel BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PS 15), Feb. 9, 2024. Gabrielle Giffords, part of Destroyer Squadron 7, is on a rotational deployment operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Jacob Ruder)