SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 13, 2022) Cpl. Hunter Bienvenu, from Lebanon, N.H., front, and Cpl. Nicholas Beatty, from Sammamish, Wash., conduct vertical replenishment operations with an Aerospatiale SA 330 Puma, assigned to the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Sheppard (T-AKE 3), aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), Jan. 13. Joint Expeditionary Strike Force operations are conducted by the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and Essex Amphibious Ready Group to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brett McMinoway)