LCS 18 Photos

USS Charleston prepares for flight operations in the South China Sea

230126-N-HG846-1608 SOUTH CHINA SEA (January 25, 2023) – Aviation Electronics Mate Seaman Dianna Brunow, from Mesa, Arizona, stands as a flight walker for an MH-60S Seahawk assigned to the “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 during flight preparations aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) in the South China Sea, Jan. 26. Charleston, part of Destroyer Squadron 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 2nd Class Daniel Serianni)