Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet

SAN DIEGO (Sept. 11, 2021) The crew of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) conduct a remembrance ceremony of the ship’s namesake on the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks. Somerset is named for Somerset County, Pennsylvania in honor of the sacrifice by the 40 passengers and crew of the hijacked United Airlines Flight 93. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kelby Sanders)

The crew of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) conduct a remembrance ceremony of the ship's namesake on the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks.

U.S. Navy/MC2 Kelby Sanders

SAN FRANCISCO (Sept. 11, 2021) Sailors aboard amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) man the rails on the ship's flight deck as the ship prepares to pull into San Francisco in support of the upcoming San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW), Sept. 11, 2021. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America’s sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of San Francisco and its surrounding areas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Julian Moorefield/Released)

USS Tripoli arrives in San Francisco for disaster response exercise

The Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) exercise is a preliminary event of this year's San Francisco Fleet Week.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 5, 2021) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the “Argonauts” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, taxis across the runway on the flight deck aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Isaiah Williams)

Carl Vinson CSG, 'Air Wing of the Future' operate in South China Sea

This is a first for a carrier strike group with the advanced F-35C Lightning II and CMV-22B Osprey.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 7, 2021) An F-35C Lightning II assigned to the “Argonauts” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 launches from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) while the carrier transits the South China Sea with Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16). Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners while serving 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 Haydn N. Smith)

USS Tulsa operates with Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group in South China Sea

This is the first time an LCS has operated as part of a CSG in 7th Fleet.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 6, 2021) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the “Golden Dragons” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192 prepares to launch off the flight deck aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Isaiah Williams)

Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group enters South China Sea

The strike group is conducting flight operations, maritime strike exercises, and coordinated tactical training between surface and air units.

7th Fleet conducts freedom of navigation operation

U.S. 7th Fleet

USS Benfold (DDG 65) asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the Spratly Islands, Sept. 8.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 8, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) arrives at Fleet Activities Yokosuka as one of the newest additions to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. Dewey is assigned to CTF 71/DESRON 15, the Navy’s largest forward deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principle surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zenaida Roth)

USS Dewey arrives in Japan, joins 7th Fleet forces

The forward presence of Dewey directly supports defense strategic initiatives in support of peace, security and stability in the region.