LCS 18 Photos

USS Charleston conducts flight operations in the South China Sea

230203-N-HG846-1068 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 3, 2023) – Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Carson Fogg, from Sacramento, California, salutes to pilots aboard an MH-60S Seahawk assigned to the “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 during take-off aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) in the South China Sea, Feb. 3. 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 Allies and 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)