SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 6, 2024) Engineman 2nd Class Erick D. Vuckson, right, from Salem, Indiana, and Merchant Marine Liam A. DeFronzo, senior ship rider engineer, prepare fuel filters for the ship's engines aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Mobile (LCS 26) in the South China Sea, March 6, 2024. Mobile, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 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 Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jen S. Martinez)