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7th Fleet Destroyers Transit Taiwan Strait

30 December 2020

From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) and USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit Dec. 31 (local time) in accordance with international law. The ships' transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States military will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows.

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

SLIDESHOW | images | 201230-N-WI365-1114 TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) Cmdr. Ryan T. Easterday, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) scans the horizon from the bridge wing as the ship conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

201230-N-WI365-1114 1 of 5

TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) Cmdr. Ryan T. Easterday, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) scans the horizon from the bridge wing as the ship conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

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USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

201230-N-WI365-1097 2 of 5

TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Jonni Melo, left, from New York, and Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Nicole Zapata, from Tampa, Florida, stand watch in the pilot house aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) while the ship conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

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USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

201230-N-WI365-1066 3 of 5

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Dec. 30, 2020) Ensign Grayson Sigler, from Corpus Christi, Texas, scans the horizon while standing watch in the pilot house as guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sea control is foundational for all other naval missions that support the Joint Force, including power projection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

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USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

7th Fleet Destroyers transit Taiwan Strait 4 of 5

TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sea control is foundational for all other naval missions that support the Joint Force, including power projection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

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USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

201230-N-WI365-1001 5 of 5

TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Kristopher Allen, from Disputanta, Virginia, stands watch as bridge lookout in the pilot house aboard guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) while the ship conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sea control is foundational for all other naval missions that support the Joint Force, including power projection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

SLIDESHOW | images | 201230-N-WI365-1097 TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Jonni Melo, left, from New York, and Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Nicole Zapata, from Tampa, Florida, stand watch in the pilot house aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) while the ship conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

201230-N-WI365-1114 1 of 5

TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) Cmdr. Ryan T. Easterday, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) scans the horizon from the bridge wing as the ship conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

201230-N-WI365-1097 2 of 5

TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Jonni Melo, left, from New York, and Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Nicole Zapata, from Tampa, Florida, stand watch in the pilot house aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) while the ship conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

201230-N-WI365-1066 3 of 5

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Dec. 30, 2020) Ensign Grayson Sigler, from Corpus Christi, Texas, scans the horizon while standing watch in the pilot house as guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sea control is foundational for all other naval missions that support the Joint Force, including power projection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

7th Fleet Destroyers transit Taiwan Strait 4 of 5

TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sea control is foundational for all other naval missions that support the Joint Force, including power projection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

201230-N-WI365-1001 5 of 5

TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Kristopher Allen, from Disputanta, Virginia, stands watch as bridge lookout in the pilot house aboard guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) while the ship conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sea control is foundational for all other naval missions that support the Joint Force, including power projection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

SLIDESHOW | images | 201230-N-WI365-1066 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Dec. 30, 2020) Ensign Grayson Sigler, from Corpus Christi, Texas, scans the horizon while standing watch in the pilot house as guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sea control is foundational for all other naval missions that support the Joint Force, including power projection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

201230-N-WI365-1114 1 of 5

TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) Cmdr. Ryan T. Easterday, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) scans the horizon from the bridge wing as the ship conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

201230-N-WI365-1097 2 of 5

TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Jonni Melo, left, from New York, and Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Nicole Zapata, from Tampa, Florida, stand watch in the pilot house aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) while the ship conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

201230-N-WI365-1066 3 of 5

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Dec. 30, 2020) Ensign Grayson Sigler, from Corpus Christi, Texas, scans the horizon while standing watch in the pilot house as guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sea control is foundational for all other naval missions that support the Joint Force, including power projection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

7th Fleet Destroyers transit Taiwan Strait 4 of 5

TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sea control is foundational for all other naval missions that support the Joint Force, including power projection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

201230-N-WI365-1001 5 of 5

TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Kristopher Allen, from Disputanta, Virginia, stands watch as bridge lookout in the pilot house aboard guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) while the ship conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sea control is foundational for all other naval missions that support the Joint Force, including power projection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

SLIDESHOW | images | 7th Fleet Destroyers transit Taiwan Strait TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sea control is foundational for all other naval missions that support the Joint Force, including power projection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

201230-N-WI365-1114 1 of 5

TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) Cmdr. Ryan T. Easterday, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) scans the horizon from the bridge wing as the ship conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

201230-N-WI365-1097 2 of 5

TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Jonni Melo, left, from New York, and Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Nicole Zapata, from Tampa, Florida, stand watch in the pilot house aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) while the ship conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

201230-N-WI365-1066 3 of 5

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Dec. 30, 2020) Ensign Grayson Sigler, from Corpus Christi, Texas, scans the horizon while standing watch in the pilot house as guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sea control is foundational for all other naval missions that support the Joint Force, including power projection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

7th Fleet Destroyers transit Taiwan Strait 4 of 5

TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sea control is foundational for all other naval missions that support the Joint Force, including power projection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

201230-N-WI365-1001 5 of 5

TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Kristopher Allen, from Disputanta, Virginia, stands watch as bridge lookout in the pilot house aboard guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) while the ship conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sea control is foundational for all other naval missions that support the Joint Force, including power projection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

SLIDESHOW | images | 201230-N-WI365-1001 TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Kristopher Allen, from Disputanta, Virginia, stands watch as bridge lookout in the pilot house aboard guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) while the ship conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sea control is foundational for all other naval missions that support the Joint Force, including power projection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

201230-N-WI365-1114 1 of 5

TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) Cmdr. Ryan T. Easterday, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) scans the horizon from the bridge wing as the ship conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

201230-N-WI365-1097 2 of 5

TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Jonni Melo, left, from New York, and Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Nicole Zapata, from Tampa, Florida, stand watch in the pilot house aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) while the ship conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

201230-N-WI365-1066 3 of 5

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Dec. 30, 2020) Ensign Grayson Sigler, from Corpus Christi, Texas, scans the horizon while standing watch in the pilot house as guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sea control is foundational for all other naval missions that support the Joint Force, including power projection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

7th Fleet Destroyers transit Taiwan Strait 4 of 5

TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sea control is foundational for all other naval missions that support the Joint Force, including power projection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

201230-N-WI365-1001 5 of 5

TAIWAN STRAIT (Dec. 30, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Kristopher Allen, from Disputanta, Virginia, stands watch as bridge lookout in the pilot house aboard guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) while the ship conducts routine underway operations in support of stability and security for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sea control is foundational for all other naval missions that support the Joint Force, including power projection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Download Image Link

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