USS Charleston (LCS 18)

USS Charleston participates in joint training exercise La Pérouse 2023

230314-O-NR876-118 Participant ships of joint training exercise La Pérouse 2023 sail in formation in the Bay of Bengal, March 14. La Pérouse is a multilateral exercise designed to enhance cooperation in the field of maritime surveillance, interdiction operations and air operations by progressive training and information sharing. The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18), 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. (Photo courtesy of Royal Navy)

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Photo By: Courtesy Photo

VIRIN: 230317-N-N0831-0001

BAY OF BENGAL — Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) participated in joint training exercise La Pérouse 2023 with six Allied and partner nation navies in the Bay of Bengal, March 13-14.

USS Charleston participates in Exercise Kakadu 2022

220920-O-NR876-167 ARAFURA SEA (Sept. 20, 2022) Participant ships of Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Exercise Kakadu 2022 (KA22) sail in formation in the waters off Northern Australian, Sept. 20, 2022. KA22 is the 15th iteration of the RAN’s flagship biennial regional maritime international engagement exercise, drawing together approximately 3000 personnel, 15 warships and more than 30 aircraft from 22 countries. (Photo courtesy of Royal Australian Navy LSIS Jarryd Capper)

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Photo By: Royal Australian Navy LSIS Jarryd Capper

VIRIN: 220926-N-N0831-0005

The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) participated in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Exercise Kakadu 2022 (KA22) ashore in Darwin, Australia, and at sea in the waters off Northern Australian, Sept. 12-24.

DESRON 7 Holds Change of Command Ceremony on USS Charleston

220902-G-TW079-675 SINGAPORE (Sep. 2, 2022) Capt. Tim LaBenz, right, relieves Capt. Tom Ogden as commodore of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 during the change of command ceremony aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) in Singapore, Sept. 2, 2022. Charleston, part of 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. As the U.S. Navy’s destroyer squadron forward-deployed in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to Singapore, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7’s Sea Combat Commander, and builds partnerships through training exercises and military-to-military engagements. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Aux. David Lau)

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Photo By: Aux. David Lau

VIRIN: 220906-N-N0831-0001

Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 held a change of command ceremony aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) in Singapore, Sept. 2, 2022.

USS Charleston and USS Green Bay participate in Garuda Shield 2022

220803-O-NR876-098 NATUNA SEA (Aug. 3, 2022) Tentera Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Laut (TNI-AL), Republic of Singapore Navy, and U.S. Navy ships sail in formation during exercise Super Garuda Shield in the Natuna Sea Aug. 3, 2022. Garuda Shield is an annual combined and joint exercise between the Indonesian National Armed Forces and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. (Courtesy photo by TNI)

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Photo By: PAO DESRON Seven

VIRIN: 220815-N-N0831-0001

Two ships under command of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 participated in the sea phase of exercise Garuda Shield 2022 in the Natuna Sea Aug. 3-4.

USS Charleston hosts JMSDF admirals

220601-O-NR876-753 SASEBO, Japan (June 1, 2022) Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Vice Adm. FUKUDA Tatsuya, commander, Fleet Escort Force, arrives aboard the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18). Charleston, 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 Lt. j.g. James French)

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Photo By: Lt. j.g. James French

VIRIN: 220623-N-N0831-0009

The crew of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) hosted Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) admirals, who toured the ship while moored at Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan, June 1.

USS Charleston completes vertical replenishment-at-sea with USS Sampson

220521-O-NR876-991 PHILIPPINE SEA (May 21, 2022) An MH-60S Seahawk helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, detachment 8, transports pallets of supplies from the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) to the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102). Charleston, 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 Ensign James French)

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Photo By: Ensign James French

VIRIN: 220623-N-N0831-0001

The Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) conducted a vertical replenishment-at-sea of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) in the Philippine Sea, May 21.

Aboard USS Jackson, MQ-8C Fire Scout returns to flight

220419-N-JX182-1068 PHILIPPINE SEA (April 19, 2022) Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Corie Wooldridge, from San Marcos, California, guides an MQ-8C Fire Scout, attached to the “Wildcards” of Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) Squadron 23, assigned to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6), onto the flight deck aboard Jackson. Jackson, 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 3rd Class Charles DeParlier)

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Photo By: Lt.j.g. Mohammad Issa

VIRIN: 220427-N-N0831-0002

The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) completed underway return to flight operations of the Navy’s unmanned helicopter, the MQ-8C Fire Scout, in the Philippine Sea, April 20.

Seventh Fleet Sailors take the lead in LCS maintenance, display teamwork and resilience

220312-N-LI768-1020 APRA HARBOR, Guam (March 12, 2022) – Engineman 1st Class Scott Barnesziegmann, from Wall Lake, Iowa, installs a component for the JP5 service pump discharge line aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16). 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)

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Photo By: Petty Officer 1st Class Devin Langer

VIRIN: 220321-N-N0831-0007

Sailors aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16) and the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) worked together to demonstrate expeditionary combat repair capability to fix an essential ship system.

USS Charleston Transits the South China Sea

220122-N-PH222-1378 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 22, 2022) Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) transits the South China Sea at full power during routine 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)

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Photo By: Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Breeden

VIRIN: 220222-N-N0831-0007

The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) arrived in Guam Feb. 14 following an extended underway period including 19 straight days in the South China Sea.

The future USS Savannah (LCS 28) pierside in Brunswick

220204-N-VF045-1020 The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Savannah (LCS 28) visits Brunswick, Ga. Savannah is the Navy's 14th Independence-variant littoral combat ship. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James S. Hong)

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Photo By: Petty Officer 2nd Class James Hong

VIRIN: 220215-N-N0831-0006

The U.S. Navy commissioned its newest Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Savannah (LCS 28) Feb. 5, 2022, in Brunswick, Ga.

USS Savannah (LCS 28) Commissioning

220206-N-VF045-1101 BRUNSWICK, Ga., (Feb. 5, 2022) Sailors assigned to Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Savannah (LCS 28) man the rails during Savannah's commissioning ceremony. Savannah is the Navy's 14th Independence-variant littoral combat ship. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James S. Hong)

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Photo By: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James S. Hong

VIRIN: 220207-N-N0831-0004

The U.S. Navy commissioned its newest Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Savannah (LCS 28) Feb. 5, 2022, in Brunswick, Ga.

USS Miguel Keith Conducts Flight Operations

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 28, 2022) An MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) refuel on the flight deck of USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5). Miguel Keith, assigned to Expeditionary Strike Group 7, is currently operating as the Theater Littoral Warfare Commander's flagship in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Photo By: Lt.Cmdr. Sherrie A Flippin

VIRIN: 220201-N-N0831-0004

The Navy and Marine Corps “blue-green team” composed of Commander Task Force Seventy-Six (CTF 76)/Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7 is underway with the embarked 31st and 11th Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs), for training and operations in the Indo-Pacific region.

Dallas, Texas Native Serves Aboard USS Charleston

211216-N-PH222-1658 PHILIPPINE SEA (Dec. 16, 2021) Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Jillian Aguilar, from Dallas, assigned to the “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, poses for a photo aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18), during routine 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)

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Photo By: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan M. Breeden

VIRIN: 211217-N-N0831-0001

A Dallas, Texas, native and 2018 Midlothiaio High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the deployed Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18).

Bilateral Exercise CARAT Timor-Leste 2021 concludes, solidifies maritime partnerships

211208-N-PH222-2009 DILI, Timor-Leste (Dec. 8, 2021) Left to right, Thomas E. Daley, charge d’affaires, United States Embassy, Cmdr. Clayton Beas, commanding officer of Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18), Brig. Gen. Calisto “Coliati” dos Santos, Chief of Staff Timor-Leste Defense Force, and Chief Superintendent Henrique da Costa, Timor-Leste National Police, participate in a cake cutting ceremony in the hangar bay during a reception in Dili, Timor-Leste. 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)

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Photo By: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan M. Breeden

VIRIN: 211216-N-N0831-0001

As part of the 27th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) series, CARAT Timor-Leste 2021 concluded Dec. 15, following nine days of virtual, in-person and at-sea engagements that enhanced collaboration between the Timor-Leste Defense Force (F-FDTL) and U.S. military and focused on shared maritime security challenges of the region.

211207-N-PH222-1568

211207-N-PH222-1568 PORT HERA, Timor-Leste (Dec. 7, 2021) Sailors conduct flight deck firefighting training with members of the Timor-Leste Defense Force during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) from the flight deck aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18). In its 27th year, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partnered navies’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. 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)

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Photo By: Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Breeden

VIRIN: 211207-N-PH222-1568

PORT HERA, Timor-Leste – Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) and Timor-Leste Defense Force (F-FDTL) partnered in the 27th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) maritime exercise in the territorial waters surrounding Port Hera, Dec. 6-7.