Machinist’s Mate Fireman Adrian Belmonte, from Glendale, directs the pilot of an F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 through safety checks on the flight deck of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The Eagles conduct carrier-based air strike and strike force escort missions, and ship, battle group and intelligence collection operations. 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.