PHILIPPINE SEA (May 24, 2024) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Launch/Recovery Equipment) 3rd Class Omar PuenteGarcia, from Dallas, aligns the catapult as an F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 prepares to launch off the flight deck of the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Philippine Sea, May 24, 2024. The Royal Maces conduct carrier-based air strikes and strike force escort missions, as well as ship, battle group and intelligence collection operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Caleb Dyal)