IWAKUNI, Japan

IWAKUNI, Japan (May 3, 2025) - A CMV-22B Osprey, E-2D Hawkeye, F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18F Super Hornet, F/A-18E Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, fly in formation during Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni’s 46th Friendship Day at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, May 3, 2025. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has held a Friendship Day open house to foster positive relationships between the air station and its Japanese hosts, offering a culturally enriching experience that displays the mutual support between the U.S. and Japan. CVW-5 is the U.S. Navy’s only permanently forward deployed air wing and consists of nine squadrons flying F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Hawkeyes, CMV-22B Ospreys and MH-60R/S Sea Hawks used to conduct carrier air warfare operations and assist in the planning, control, coordination and integration of air wing squadrons in support of carrier air warfare. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryre Arciaga) Share

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN (May 1, 2025) Sailors assigned to the flight deck team stage a refueling hose during a helicopter in-flight refueling (HIFR) exercise aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) in the North Pacific Ocean, May 1. HIFR allows for airborne refueling in situations where a flight deck landing isn’t possible. Preble is forward deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jamaal Liddell) Share

SOUTH CHINA SEA

An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Blue Diamonds” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 3, 2025. The Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations on a scheduled deployment, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Hannah Kantner) Share

SOUTH CHINA SEA

An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the “Indians” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6 prepares to land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 3, 2025. The Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tomas R. Valdes) Share

SOUTH CHINA SEA

An E/A-18G Growler, from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 3, 2025. The Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations on a scheduled deployment, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Edward Jacome) Share

SUVA, Fiji

SUVA, Fiji (May 5, 2025) – Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, commanding officer of the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), speaks with members of the Fijian media during a scheduled port visit in Suva, Fiji, May 5, 2025. The Blue Ridge and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff conduct regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance future warfighting capabilities. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Thomas Furnish) Share

SUVA, Fiji

SUVA, Fiji (May 5, 2025) – The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrives in Suva, Fiji, for a scheduled port visit, May 5, 2025. The Blue Ridge and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff conduct regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance future warfighting capabilities. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Damian Cook) Share

YAP, Federated States of Micronesia

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, receives an operations brief from Sailors assigned to Commander, Task Group 73.6/Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit One, Company 1-6 (CTG 73.6/MDSU 1-6), during Koehler’s visit to Yap, May 2, 2025. The visit to the Federated States of Micronesia underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan) Share

YAP, Federated States of Micronesia

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, and U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia Jennifer Johnson pose for a photo with Yap State Legislature during Koehler’s visit to Yap, May 2, 2025. The visit to FSM underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan) Share

YAP, Federated States of Micronesia

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, speaks to Yap State Legislature during a visit to Yap, May 2, 2025. The visit to the Federated States of Micronesia underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan) Share

YAP, Federated States of Micronesia

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia Jennifer Johnson meet with Yap State Legislature during Koehler’s visit to Yap, May 2, 2025. The visit to FSM underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan) Share

YAP, Federated States of Micronesia

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia Jennifer Johnson, left, review airport expansion plans with Chief Builder Nana Obeng, leading chief petty officer of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) Three, during Koehler’s visit to Yap, May 2, 2025. The visit to the Federated States of Micronesia underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan) Share