Helicopter Sea Combat 23 (HSC 23) Sailor transits the South China Sea

by Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Langholf

28 October 2021 SOUTH CHINA SEA -- 211028-N-FA490-1872 Naval Aircrewman 1st Class Christopher Fred, from Sarasota, Fla., assigned to the “Wildcards” of Helicopter Sea Combat 23 (HSC 23) transits the South China Sea in an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter during routine operations. HSC 23, 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 3rd Class Andrew Langholf/released).