Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) moors pier side in Apra Harbor, Guam.

Culinary Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jeremy Reynolds, from Chicago, prepares a stew in the galley aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18).

Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Jerry Brown, from Middletown, Ohio, conducts maintenance on a navigational console on the bridge aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18).

Sailors participate in a small boat training exercise aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18).

APRA HARBOR, Guam (Oct. 1, 2021) – An Ingleside, Texas, native and 2019 Ingleside High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the deployed Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16).

Engineman 3rd Class James Whitaker, from Dunn, N.C., replaces deck sand paper strips on a staircase aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18).

A MH-60S Seahawk helicopter, assigned to the “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) Squadron 21, prepares to land on the flight deck aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18), during routine flight operations.

USS Charleston Sailor Hoists National Ensign

USS Jackson (LCS 6) Engineman sets up cooler

USS Tulsa (LCS 16) sails in the Sulu Sea

Fire Controlman 1st Class Derrick Boyd, from San Antonio, Tex., stands watch at replenishment-at-sea station one aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6).

Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Chance Emerson, from Denver, Colo., tests fuel in the oil lab aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6).

The USS Jackson (LCS 6) sails alongside the Japanese Ships Kaga, Murasame, and Shiranui through the Malakal Passage, Republic of Palau, Sept. 2, 2021.

Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) transits into Palau.

Master Chief Damage Controlman Christian Bolanos, right, from Buga, Colombia, receives the Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist (EAWS) pin from Chief Engineman Jaron White, from Victorville, Calif., during an award ceremony aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18), Aug.