211119-N-PH222-1655 PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 19, 2021) The Chief Petty Officer Mess poses for a photo in front of a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter attached to the “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) Squadron 21, on the flight deck aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18). Charleston, 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 2nd Class Ryan M. Breeden)