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SOUTH CHINA SEA (Aug. 18, 2021) Sailors lower a rigid-hulled inflatable boat to the side of Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) during boat operations, Aug. 18. 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 2nd Class Adam Butler)