240219-N-VM650-2185

PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 19, 2024) Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104) heave around on a messenger line during a fueling-at-sea with the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Pecos (T-AO 197). Messenger lines keep ships connected to each other while transferring supplies. Sterett, assigned to Carrier Strike Group ONE, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. As an integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific in addition to providing realistic and relevant training necessary to flawlessly execute our Navy's timeless roles of sea control and power projection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Charles J. Scudella III)