211123-N-LI768-2030 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Nov. 23, 2021) – The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16) transits the South China Sea. Tulsa, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, 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 1st Class Devin M. Langer)