SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 13, 2021) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) comes alongside Henry J. Kaiser-class underway replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) during a fueling at sea. 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 3rd Class Adam Butler)