211117-N-FA490-1217 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Nov. 17, 2021) Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Patrick Hix, from Independence, Mo., assigned to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) directs Sailors from a MH-60S helicopter assigned to the “Wildcards” of Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) Squadron 23 on the flight deck, during routing operations. Jackson, 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 3rd Class Andrew Langholf/released)