Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 17, 2021) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the “Argonauts” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, prepares to land on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) June 17, 2021. Vinson is currently underway conducting routine maritime operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Caden Richmond)

An F-35C Lightning II attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 prepares to land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during operations in the Pacific.

U.S. Navy/MCSN Caden Richmond

SOUTH CHINA SEA (June 17, 2021) The guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67), the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), and the Republic of Singapore Navy stealth frigate RSS Intrepid (69) steam together in the South China Sea. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, as well as the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Oswald Felix Jr.)

Ronald Reagan CSG exercises with Republic of Singapore Navy

The carrier strike group and a pair of RSN ships conducted drills in the South China Sea.

PEARL HARBOR (June 18, 2021) Rear Adm. Timothy Kott, right, assumes command of Commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific (CNRH/CNSGMP) from Rear Adm. Robert Chadwick II, center, during the CNRH/CNSGMP change of command ceremony on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Chadwick was relieved by Rear Adm. Timothy Kott. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Hall)

Kott takes command of Navy Region Hawaii, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific

Rear Adm. Timothy Kott relieved Rear Adm. Robert Chadwick II during a ceremony at Pearl Harbor.

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 13, 2021) Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105), front, and Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) transit the Pacific Ocean. Dewey and Vinson are currently underway conducting routine maritime operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Olympia O. McCoy)

Carrier Strike Group One arrives in Hawaiian Islands Operating Area

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is conducting joint training and integration.

SEA OF JAPAN (June 14, 2021) Operations Specialist Seaman Apprentice Abigail Talton, from Dayton, Ohio, tracks surface contacts during routine underway operations aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115). Rafael Peralta is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy's largest forward-deployed DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel Serianni)

USS Rafael Peralta operates in Sea of Japan

The guided-missile destroyer recently conducted a five-day multi-domain maritime presence operation that included a variety of drills.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (June 14, 2021) An EA-18G Growler attached to the Shadowhawks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 launches from the flight deck of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, as well as the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Quinton Lee)

Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group enters South China Sea, upholds freedom of seas, commitment to allies and partners

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 13, 2021) The America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) sails in formation. Clockwise from right: USS America (LHA 6), USS New Orleans (LPD 18), USS Germantown (LSD 42). The America ARG, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jomark A. Almazan)

Amphibious Squadron 11, 31st MEU reunite for summer

The America Amphibious Ready Group and elements of the 31st MEU recently deployed for routine operations across the Indo-Pacific.

MANILA, Philippines (June 10, 2021) U.S. 7th Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Bill Merz meets with Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Gen. Cirilito Sobejana during a scheduled visit. Under Commander, U. S. Pacific Fleet, 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (Courtesy photo by SN1 Donald Viluan PN/PAOAFP)

U.S. 7th Fleet commander visits Philippines, reaffirms strong bilateral ties

Adm. Bill Merz engaged with Armed Forces of the Philippines counterparts to discuss topics of mutual interest.