photo #2457172

SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 27, 2022) The U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) approaches the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) to conduct a fueling-at-sea. During the evolution, Tippecanoe transported fuel to Ronald Reagan via connected replenishment. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel G. Providakes