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211123-N-PH222-1650 PORT LAE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA (Nov. 23, 2021) Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) moors pier side in Port Lae, Papua New Guinea. 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)