Flight Operations Aboard USS Charleston (LCS 18)

by Petty Officer 3rd Class Adam Butler

15 July 2021 210715-N-WU807-1025 PHILIPPINE SEA (July 15, 2021) Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Christopher Naranjo, from Maywood, Calif., signals to start the auxiliary power units to the pilots of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 assigned to Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) during flight operations, July 15. Charleston, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with 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 2nd Class Adam Butler)