220122-N-PH222-1062 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 22, 2022) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Michael Hice, right, from Chula Vista, California, and Mineman 3rd Class Brendan Riemerlanglois, from Crandon, Wisconsin, secure cranials prior to flight operations aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18). Charleston, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, 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)