USS Nimitz conducts flight ops in South China Sea

E/A-18G Growlers, from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, fly in formation during an aerial change of command ceremony alongside the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 27, 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 Carson Croom)