USS Charleston Sailors Conduct Preflight Inspection

by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Breeden

19 October 2021 PHILIPPINE SEA -- 211019-N-PH222 Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 2nd Javier Rosas, from San Mateo, Calif, left, and Lt. Garret Smart, from Draper, Utah, conduct a preflight inspection of a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to the “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) Squadron 21, prior to flight operations aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18). Charleston, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, is on a rotational deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation 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 Ryan M. Breeden)