240105-N-JM579-1885 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Jan. 5, 2024) Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), participate in flight operations Jan. 5, 2024. Bulkeley is on a routine deployment conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joseph Macklin)

240102-N-JM579-1124 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Jan. 2, 2024) Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) participate in small boat operations, Jan. 2, 2024. Bulkeley is on a routine deployment conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joseph Macklin)

Santa Claus, flying in an MH-60S Sea Hawk, attached to the "Tridents" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, greets Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) in the Mediterranean Sea, Dec. 24, 2023. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is currently operating in the Mediterranean Sea. The U.S. maintains forward-deployed, ready, and postured forces to deter aggression and support security and stability around the world. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob Mattingly)

Santa Claus, flying in an MH-60S Sea Hawk, attached to the "Tridents" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, greets Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) in the Mediterranean Sea, Dec. 24, 2023. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is currently operating in the Mediterranean Sea. The U.S. maintains forward-deployed, ready, and postured forces to deter aggression and support security and stability around the world. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob Mattingly)

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily (July 11, 2024) A P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 45 prepares to take off as part of the 28th iteration of the annual exercise Breeze 2024, July 11, 2024. Led by the Bulgarian Navy and scheduled in the Black Sea, Breeze 2024 is focused on anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, force protection/anti-terrorism operations, maritime interdiction operations and anti-piracy mission areas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan D. Berlier)

ROMANIA (July 9, 2024) Sailors assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 45 conduct flight operations aboard a P-8A Poseidon Aircraft as part of the 28th iteration of the annual exercise Breeze 2024, July 9, 2024. Led by the Bulgarian Navy and scheduled in the Black Sea, Breeze 2024 is focused on anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, force protection/anti-terrorism operations, maritime interdiction operations and anti-piracy mission areas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan D. Berlier)