SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 6, 2024) Engineman 2nd Class Erick D. Vuckson, from Salem, Indiana, secures a fuel filter for the ship 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 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)