HARSTAD, Norway (Feb. 28, 2024) The Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) departs Harstad, Norway, after a port visit during Steadfast Defender 24, Feb. 28, 2024. Steadfast Defender 2024, NATOÕs largest exercise in decades, will demonstrate NATOÕs ability to deploy forces rapidly from across the Alliance to reinforce the defense of Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Danielle Serocki)PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 27, 2024) Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit (EODESU) 1 and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 assist astronauts out of a crew module test article (CMTA) onto a life raft while underway with the San Antonio class amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) for NASAÕs Underway Recovery Test 11, Feb. 27, 2024. In preparation for NASAÕs Artemis II crewed mission, which will send four astronauts in Orion beyond the Moon, NASA and the Department of Defense will conduct a series of tests to demonstrate and evaluate the processes, procedures, and hardware used in recovery operations for crewed lunar missions. The U.S. Navy has may unique capabilities that make it an ideal partner to support NASA, including its amphibious ships with the ability to embark helicopters, launch and recover small boats, three-dimensional air search radar and advanced medical facilities. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Olivia Rucker)JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (Feb. 26, 2024) Navy wounded warriors participate in the archery trials at Pierside Fitness Center. Navy Wounded Warrior is hosting the 2024 Navy Team Trials at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Feb. 22 through March 4. Sailors and Coast Guardsmen who are seriously wounded, ill, or injured are competing across 11 sports that have been adapted to their individual abilities. At the close of Team Trials, a selection of athletes will be invited to participate in this year’s Department of Defense Warrior Games in Orlando, Fla. (U.S. Navy photo by Anna Marie G. Gonzales)PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 23, 2024) Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class-guided missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) check valves during a counter measure wash down test while operating in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 23, 2024. Higgins is forward deployed and assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the NavyÕs largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleetÕs principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hannah Fry)
