Guam

U.S. Navy Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Nathaniel Ousley, right, and Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Heather Hubbard stand watch on the catwalk of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as the ship departs Guam, Dec. 12, 2025. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. Units assigned to U.S. 7th Fleet conduct regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance peace through strength. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Hannah Tross) Share

PACIFIC OCEAN

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) transits thePacific Ocean alongside Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), Dec. 8, 2025. Frank E. Petersen Jr., assigned to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, demonstrating the U.S. Navy’s long-term commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christian Kibler) Share

SOUTH CHINA SEA

A U.S. Navy phalanx close-in weapon system is fired during a pre-aim calibration fire aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) in the South China Sea, Dec. 15, 2025. Rafael Peralta 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 Ryre Arciaga) Share

PACIFIC OCEAN

U.S. Navy Sailors conduct small boat operations in the vicinity of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) on Dec. 12, 2025. Frank E. Petersen Jr., assigned to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, demonstrating the U.S. Navy’s long-term commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christian Kibler) Share

PACIFIC OCEAN

A close-in weapon system (CIWS) on the fantail aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) conducts a live-fire exercise in the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 14, 2025. Essex is underway following a planned maintenance period to upgrade and refurbish key systems. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Brian P. Caracci) Share

PACIFIC OCEAN

Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Matthew Beck, test fires a Mk 38 25mm machine gun during a live-fire exercise aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), Dec. 14, 2025. Essex is underway following a planned maintenance period to upgrade and refurbish key systems.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kenyatta Headley) Share

PACIFIC OCEAN

Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) pulls alongside Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) for a refueling-at-sea in the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 10, 2025. Boxer is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training that enhances warfighting capability and tactical proficiency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tyler Miles) Share

NAVAL BASE KITSAPBREMERTON, Wash.

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), transits the Puget Sound during its return to homeport Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton, Washington, Dec. 16, 2025. Nimitz, flagship of Carrier Strike Group 11 (CSG 11), returns to its homeport of Bremerton following nine months operating in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations. An integral part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation and overflight, the rule of law and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kazia Ream) Share

BREMERTON, Wash.

U.S. Sailors man the rails aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as it transits Puget Sound while returning to Naval Base Kitsap, Washington, Dec. 16, 2025. Nimitz, flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, returns to its homeport of Bremerton following a nine-month mission to the U.S. 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleets areas 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 Peter K. McHaddad) Share

SOUTH CHINA SEA

An MH-60S Sea Hawk, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, conducts a vertical replenishment-at-sea with Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Yukon (T-AO 202) and aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, Nov. 15, 2025. 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 3rd Class Edward Jacome) Share

PACIFIC OCEAN

U.S. Navy Sailors taxi an F-35C Lightning II, attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 10, 2025. Abraham Lincoln, flagship of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, demonstrating the U.S. Navy’s long-term commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Shepard Fosdyke-Jackson) Share

SOUTH CHINA SEA

An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146, prepares to launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, Nov. 11, 2025. 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 Apprentice Frankie M. Guage) Share