USS Curtis D. Wilbur steams near USS Nimitz in South China Sea

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis D. Wilbur (DDG 54) steams near the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 12, 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 Chad K. Hughes)