Virtual Bayonet

@virtualbayonet.bsky.social

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Former US Marine, Navalist (in a positive sense), free world military enthusiast, history enthusiast. I occasionally attend naval conferences and comment on US military budget items

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a Navy sailor with the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship, USS San Antonio (LPD 17), Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (IWOARG), conduct flight operations as part of ARGMEUEX aboard the San Antonio, IWOARG, while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, May 15, 2025. During ARGMEUX, the 22nd MEU, aboard IWOARG shipping, conducts training in support of various mission essential tasks that enhance operational readiness and lethality as a unified IWOARG/22 MEU team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Maurion Moore)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 17, 2025) Three AV-8B Harriers, assigned to the “Bulldogs” of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, are secured on the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) during flight operations. Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are underway in the Atlantic Ocean completing integrated naval warfighting training. ARGMEUEX prepares integrated naval task forces for sustained, high-end Joint and combined combat. Integrated naval training provides combatant commanders and the Commander-in-Chief highly capable forces that deter adversaries, underpin American security and economic prosperity, and reassure Allies and partners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Andrew Eggert)

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 18, 2025) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman sails through the Mediterranean Sea May 18. USS Harry S. Truman, the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations supporting U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mike Shen)

NORWEGIAN SEA (May 7, 2025) The USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), Louis-Marie (F931), Cristóbal Colón (F105), USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), and the HDMS Iver Huitfeldt (F361) conduct a passing exercise during an At-Sea Demonstration (ASD) / Formidable Shield (FS) 2025, May 7, 2025. ASD/FS 25 is the largest at-sea live-fire exercise in the European theater, hosted by U.S. 6th Fleet and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO. ASD/FS 25 is designed to enhance Allied interoperability in a joint, live-fire, Integrated Air and Missile Defense environment using NATO command and control reporting structures. (Courtesy photo by HNLMS De Ruyter)

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Europe, Africa, Central (EURAFCENT), Sailors and employees use a crane to offload a missile aboard the Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), while in-port aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, April 30, 2025. Public Works Department Rota’s mission is to enhance Navy and Marine Corps readiness by providing adaptable, sustainable facility support worldwide. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Europe, Africa, Central supports fleet commanders by providing engineering assessments and agile acquisition strategy, constructing and maintaining shore infrastructure, and maximizing force readiness to enhance warfighter capability. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Keyly Santizo)

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing fly over Wake Island enroute to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 10, 2025. VMFA-211 joined VMFA-214 on the current Unit Deployment Program, which provides U.S.-based units with operational experience in U.S. Pacific Command. (Courtesy photo)

NORWEGIAN SEA – (May 07, 2025) Cmdr. Arturo Trejo, commanding officer, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), left, and U.S. Navy Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), wave to the crew onboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) during exercise At-Sea Demonstration (ASD) / Formidable Shield (FS) 2025. ASD/FS 25 is the largest at-sea live-fire exercise in the European theater, hosted by U.S. 6th Fleet and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO. ASD/FS 25 is designed to enhance Allied interoperability in a joint, live-fire, Integrated Air and Missile Defense environment using NATO command and control reporting structures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Nye)

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (May 6, 2025) An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (May 6, 2025) A U.S. Sailor signals to an MH-60R Sea Hawk, attached to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78, on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

NORWEGIAN SEA – (May 07, 2025) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) sails alongside the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), during exercise At-Sea Demonstration (ASD) / Formidable Shield (FS) 2025. ASD/FS 25 is the largest at-sea live-fire exercise in the European theater, hosted by U.S. 6th Fleet and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO. ASD/FS 25 is designed to enhance Allied interoperability in a joint, live-fire, Integrated Air and Missile Defense environment using NATO command and control reporting structures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Nye)

NORWEGIAN SEA – (May 07, 2025) ) Ensign Jackson Manship, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), observes maneuvering exercises with HDMS Iver Huitfeldt (F361) of the Royal Danish Navy during exercise At-Sea Demonstration (ASD) / Formidable Shield (FS) 2025. ASD/FS 25 is the largest at-sea live-fire exercise in the European theater, hosted by U.S. 6th Fleet and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO. ASD/FS 25 is designed to enhance Allied interoperability in a joint, live-fire, Integrated Air and Missile Defense environment using NATO command and control reporting structures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Nye)

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (May 3, 2025) U.S. Sailors man a phone and distance line on the forecastle aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) during an underway replenishment with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

NORWEGIAN SEA – (May 05, 2025) U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), heave in the phone and distance (P&D) line from the Royal Canadian Navy replenishment oiler MV Asterix for an underway replenishment during At-Sea Demonstration (ASD) / Formidable Shield (FS) 2025. ASD/FS 25 is the largest at-sea live-fire exercise in the European theater, hosted by U.S. 6th Fleet and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO. ASD/FS 25 is designed to enhance Allied interoperability in a joint, live-fire, Integrated Air and Missile Defense environment using NATO command and control reporting structures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Nye)

NORFOLK, Va. (May 6, 2025) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) departs Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment. The USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) departed Norfolk as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) for a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The deployment will underscore the U.S. Navy's commitment to maritime security and stability in the region. (U.S. Navy photo/video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Porsha Thompson)

"U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (April 24, 2025) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) pulls alongside the fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) for a replenishment-at-sea in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility."

Official U.S. Navy photo

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (April 30, 2025) U.S. Sailors conduct flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

An E/A-18G Growler from the “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 3, 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 Edward Jacome)

CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILTY (April 29, 2025) U.S. Sailors conduct flight operations on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) maneuvers during a routine armed air escort exercise, April 24, 2025. The U.S. Navy’s fleet of ballistic missile submarines are the most survivable leg of the nuclear triad. Global SSBN operations demonstrate the flexibility, survivability, readiness, resolve, global reach and capability of the U.S. SSBN force. Commander, Submarine Group (SUBGRU) 9, exercises administrative control authority for assigned submarine commands and units in the Pacific Northwest providing oversight for shipboard training, personnel, supply and material readiness of submarines and their crews. SUBGRU-9 is also responsible for nuclear submarines undergoing conversion or overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. (U.S. Navy
photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryan Riley)

"Australia, the Philippines and the United States conducted a multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity together on 29 April 2025 within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone. During this activity, Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Sydney conducted training with Philippine Navy BRP Antonio Luna, while Philippine Air Force aircraft flew with the United States Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps. Australia and our partners share a commitment to upholding the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, and other maritime rights under international law, particularly in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This is the second MCA involving Australia this year, and was conducted by HMAS Sydney as part of its three-month regional presence deployment."

Photo and quote from HMAS Sydney's Facebook page

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) transits the Philippine Sea, April 29, 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 2nd Class Emma Burgess)

DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (April 30, 2025) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) holds station off the coast of U.S. Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia, April 30. Ralph Johnson 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 Hannah Fry)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 30, 2025) The amphibious helicopter carrier Mistral (L9013) and the La Fayette-class frigate Surcouf (F 711) conducted a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) with the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), marking the start of exercise Chesapeake April 30, 2025. Exercise Chesapeake showcases U.S. Navy and Marine Corps integration, capable of delivering combined lethality to deter aggression and defend the homeland, and the strength of the U.S.-French naval partnership. The exercise, taking place off the coast of North Carolina, underscores the commitment to interoperability, maritime readiness, and shared values, advancing joint amphibious capabilities in line with the National Defense Strategy. (U.S. Navy photo Courtesy of French Navy/Released)

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jamaal Liddell

U.S. CENTRAL AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (April 27, 2025) An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97, prepares to launch from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Official U.S. Navy photo|

SAN DIEGO (Apr. 22, 2025) Guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) arrives at Naval Base San Diego Apr. 22, 2025. Cape St. George, previously based at Everett, Wash., completed her homeport change to Naval Base San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo Chief Mass Communications Specialist Charles E. White)

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (April 26, 2025) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) conducts a pre-action calibration fire in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

"HMAS Sydney and USS Omaha sail in company during Regional Presence Deployment 25-2. The Royal Australian Navy is undertaking its second regional presence deployment for 2025. From late March until early July, HMAS Sydney will sail throughout the Indo-Pacific to conduct training, exercises and other engagements with regional navies. Regional presence deployments play a vital role in Australia's long-term security and prosperity by protecting our interests, preserving a rule-based international order, enhancing cooperation and relationships with partners and allies, and developing capability and interoperability"

Photo by LSIS David Cox

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (April 24, 2025) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) prepares to come alongside the fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) for a replenishment-at-sea in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

PACIFIC OCEAN (April 24, 2025) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) fires an SM-2 missile during a tactical training exercise, April 24. USS Shoup, assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 70, is underway in the 7th Fleet area of operations conducting advanced tactical training that enhances warfighting capability and tactical proficiency. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Sawyer Blazar)

U.S. Marines and two contractors prepare to board USS DDG 76 Higgins during a Visit Board Search and Seizure rehearsal in the Philippine Sea on April 24, 2025. VBSS is part of the maritime interception operations that aim to delay, disrupt, or destroy enemy forces or supplies in the maritime domain. The Marines and contractors are assigned to the Special Missions Branch, III Expeditionary Operations Training Group and USS DDG 76 Higgins is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15, 7th Fleet. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kira Ducato)

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) sails through the Philippine Sea, April 25, 2025. Gridley, assigned to the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, 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 Timothy Meyer)

PACIFIC OCEAN (April 16, 2025) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) fires its 5-inch gun during a tactical training exercise, April 16, 2025. Dewey, assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, is underway in the 7th Fleet area of operations conducting advanced tactical training that enhances warfighting capability and tactical proficiency. DESRON 15 is the Navy's Largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Devin Monroe)

DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (April 23, 2025) – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) arrives at U.S. Naval Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia for a scheduled port visit, April 23, 2025. NSF Diego Garcia’s mission is to provide critical support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean, while supporting multi-theater forces operating in the CENTCOM, AFRICOM, EUCOM and PACOM areas of responsibilities in support of overseas contingency operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seamen Kamaren Hill)

Sailors direct an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Mighty Shrikes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 94 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Philippine Sea, April 23, 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 2nd Class Hannah Kantner)

Amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) fires an MK46 30mm gun weapon system during a live-fire exercise while underway in the Pacific Ocean, April 22, 2025. Somerset is currently underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Evan Diaz)

Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) arrives at the mouth of San Diego Bay, April 22, 2025. Cape St. George, previously based at Everett, Wash., completed her homeport change to Naval Base San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kelby Sanders)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Mar. 21, 2025) – The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine, USS Santa Fe (SSN 763), transits the Pacific Ocean, March 21, 2025. Santa Fe is one of four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 11. Santa Fe is part of Commander Submarine Squadron 11, home to four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines, which are capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Keenan Daniels)

INDIAN OCEAN (April 22, 2025) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) fires a Mark 45 5-inch light-weight gun during a live-fire weapons exercise while operating in the Indian Ocean, April 22, 2025. Milius 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 Greg Johnson)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (April 22, 2025) Sailors and community members watch the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS New York (LPD 21) maneuver through the Stranahan River, arriving for Fleet Week Fort Lauderdale (FWFL), April 22. FWFL celebrates a time-honored tradition of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen and witness the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. More than 1,100 service members will showcase their capabilities and equipment, participate in various community service events, and enjoy the hospitality of the Fort Lauderdale area. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Natalia Murillo)

The Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) arrives at Port Everglades to kick off Fleet Week Fort Lauderdale (FWFL) 2025, April 22. FWFL celebrates a time-honored tradition of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen and witness the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. More than 1,100 service members will showcase their capabilities and equipment, participate in various community service events, and enjoy the hospitality of the Fort Lauderdale area. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Word)

DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (April 22, 2025) – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) arrives at U.S. Naval Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia for a scheduled port visit, April 22, 2025. Ralph Johnson 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. NSF Diego Garcia’s mission is to provide critical support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean, while supporting multi-theater forces operating in the CENTCOM, AFRICOM, EUCOM and PACOM areas of responsibilities in support of overseas contingency operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kenneth T. Gardner)

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (April 16, 2025) U.S. Navy Aviation Ordnancemen prepare to load ordnance onto an F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113, on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

INDIAN OCEAN (April 17, 2025) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) fires the Phalanx Close-in Weapons System (CIWS) during a live-fire exercise while underway in the Indian Ocean, April 17. Ralph Johnson 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 Hannah Fry)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (April 16, 2025) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) departs Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, April 16. Preble 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 Jamaal Liddell)

SINGAPORE (April 18, 2025) – Electrician’s Mate Fireman Jesse Felicianodelvalle (left), from Carolina, Puerto Rico, and Culinary Specialist Seaman Juan Cisneros, from Sunnyside, Washington, participate in a 5-kilometer fun run along with fellow Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) on the pier at Changi Naval Base in Singapore, April 18, 2025. Milius is forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron 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 Greg Johnson)

"An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the "Fighting Redcocks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 performs a fly-by alongside the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during VFA 22’s change of command ceremony in the Pacific Ocean, April 17, 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 2nd Class Tomas R. Valdes

APRA HARBOR, Guam (April 18, 2025) Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) arrived in Guam for a scheduled port visit, April 18. For five decades, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group has upheld the U.S. Navy’s commitment to forward presence while ensuring maritime security, deterring aggression, and power projection. As the Navy celebrates 250 years of service this year, we are reminded of how the Navy has promoted prosperity and security, and protected the American way of life. (U.S. Navy Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Samantha Jetzer)

DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (April 11, 2025) – The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) arrives at U.S. Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia for a scheduled port visit, April 11, 2025. Ralph Johnson 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. NSF Diego Garcia’s mission is to provide critical support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean, while supporting multi-theater forces operating in the CENTCOM, AFRICOM, EUCOM and PACOM areas of responsibilities in support of overseas contingency operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kamaren Hill)

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (April 15, 2025) An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263, (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to depart while conducting flight deck operations during Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8), 22nd MEU Integration (PMINT) exercise, aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), in support of Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8), 22nd MEU Integration (PMINT) while underway in the Atlantic Ocean April 11, 2025. PMINT is the 22nd MEU's first opportunity in their pre-deployment training program to fully integrate with PHIBRON 8 while at sea, allowing Marines and Sailors to train together as an ARG/MEU team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tanner Bernat)

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 7, 2025) – The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) conducts routine operations while underway in the Philippine Sea, April 7, 2025. The 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 Seaman Alajia Williams)

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (April 14, 2025) U.S. Navy Aviation Ordnancemen load ordnance onto an F-35C Lightning II aircraft, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97, on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)