210823-N-WU807-1062 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 23, 2021) Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) approaches America class amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during a fueling at sea, Aug. 23. 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)