EAST CHINA SEA (March 9, 2024) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Ashley Oscar, from Atlanta, signals an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 to launch from the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) drill as part of Exercise Iron Fist while underway in the East China Sea, March 9, 2024. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S, Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sade Anita Wallace)