Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Adam Wendt signals to the pilot of an SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Vipers of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HSM) 48 (Light) during preparations for launch aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72). Vella Gulf is deployed in a multimission role in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility to contribute to regional maritime security and to support NATO operations and deployments throughout the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Edward Guttierrez III/Released)