USS Blue Ridge, HSC-12 conduct live-fire exercise in South China Sea

Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Carlos Rodriguez fires a .50-caliber machine gun from an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, embarked with U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), during a live-fire exercise in the South China Sea, March 31, 2026. 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 Damian Cook)