SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 1, 2024) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Qwashewn Mayes supports Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Justin Loubeau as he signals to a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter, assigned to the “White Knights” of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), on the flight deck of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) while underway in the South China Sea during Exercise Balikatan 24, May 1, 2024. BK 24 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Mayes is a native of Tennessee and Loubeau is a native of Florida. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Evan Diaz)