Lt. jg. Thomas Hardy, a junior officer aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alert (WMEC 630), signals instructions to an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew during a helicopter in-flight refueling (HIFR) exercise near Point Mugu, Calif., April 24, 2023. HIFR increases the range of helicopter operations and provides refueling alternatives when the aircraft is too far from shore or conditions are too rough to land. (U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo).