U.S. Navy ships conduct operations in the waters of the South China Sea.

A sailor prepares an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the “Mighty Shrikes” of Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-94 for launch on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68), under way in the South China Sea, May 1, 2023.

Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Hannah Kantner/U.S. Navy