Seaman Blake Ferguson steers the ship while acting as helmsman on the bridge of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6).

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 11, 2012) Seaman Blake Ferguson steers the ship while acting as helmsman on the bridge of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group and is operating in the U.S. 7th fleet area of responsibility. The U.S. Navy has a 237-year heritage of defending freedom and projecting and protecting U.S. interests around the globe. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting. The U.S. Navy is constantly deployed to preserve peace, protect commerce, and deter aggression through forward presence. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Adam D. Wainwright) File# 121011-N-LM312-032