LCS 18 Photos

USS Charleston Sailors Conduct Flight Operations

211126-N-PH222-1616 PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 26, 2021) Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Marcus Lopez, from Ontario, California, stands ready with aircraft tie down chains and a chock as an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter attached to the “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, conducts a flight maneuver above the flight deck aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18), during routine flight operations. 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)