PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 1, 2020) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) transits the Philippine Sea with amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). America and Germantown, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, are operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Walter Estrada)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 10, 2021) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Cosme Zamora, from Compton, Calif., assigned to amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), launches an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) from the ship’s flight deck. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 10, 2021) Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Akiel Mayers, from Ann Arbor, Mich., assigned to amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), launches an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) on the ship’s flight deck. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 12, 2020) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) conducts a replenishment at sea with the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14). America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Cavenaile)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 22, 2021) Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) transits the South China Sea. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zenaida Roth)

OAHU, Hawaii (Sept. 1, 2020) - World War II era warbrids fly in formation over Oahu Sept. 1, 2020, for the 75th Commemoration of the End of WWII. World War II remains a historic reminder of how the dedicated resolve of allies with a common purpose and shared vision buillt proven partnerships that ensure we continue to stand together with our allies and partners in maintaining a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Anthony Nelson) 200901-F-RE693-0748

** Interested in following U.S. Indo-Pacific Command? Engage and connect with us at www.facebook.com/indopacom | twitter.com/INDOPACOM |

www.instagram.com/indopacom | www.flickr.com/photos/us-pacific-command; | www.youtube.com/user/USPacificCommand | www.pacom.mil/ **

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 28, 2021) The Republic of Singapore Independence-class littoral mission vessel RSS Fearless (LMV 22) sails in formation with Lewis and Clark class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6), and Republic of Singapore Formidable-class frigates RSS Tenacious (FFC 71) and RSS Stalwart (FFC 72) during Pacific Griffin 2021. Pacific Griffin is considered the most complex and warfare-centric bilateral engagement between both navies and represents a continued investment in the strengthening of the solid partnership between the U.S. and Republic of Singapore. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Deanna Gonzales)

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (Oct. 29, 2022) - U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, taxi down the flight line in support of a Bomber Task Force Mission at Andersen AFB, Guam, Oct. 29, 2022. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s force employment, military posture, and operations honor security commitments in the region by enabling the U.S. Air Force to rapidly respond to any potential crisis or challenge in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Yosselin Campos) 221029-F-IV266-1073

** Interested in following U.S. Indo-Pacific Command? Engage and connect with us at www.facebook.com/indopacom | twitter.com/INDOPACOM |

www.instagram.com/indopacom | www.flickr.com/photos/us-pacific-command; | www.youtube.com/user/USPacificCommand | www.pacom.mil/ **

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 1, 2020) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) transits the Philippine Sea with amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). America and Germantown, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, are operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Walter Estrada)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 1, 2020) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) sails near Iwo Jima. America, flagship of the America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Walter Estrada)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 10, 2020) Sailors aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) recover a rigid-hull inflatable boat following a visit, board, search and seizure exercise. Germantown, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 20, 2021) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) 1st Class Ray Espinosa, left, from San Antonio, supports Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Jake Angulo, from Riverside, Calif., as Angulo directs the landing of an MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262, on the flight deck of amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelby Sanders)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Nov. 14, 2020) The Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), returns to Yokosuka, Japan, following a six-month deployment. During Ronald Reagan’s deployment, the ship transited nearly 60,000 nautical miles, conducting dual-carrier operations with USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Carrier Strike Group, exercise Valiant Shield, Exercise Keen Sword, Expeditionary Strike Force operations with USS America (LHA 6), flight operations in the Indian Ocean for the first time in more than four years, as well as trilateral integrated operations with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Royal Australian Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 12, 2020) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) sails in the South China Sea, May 12, 2020. Gabrielle Giffords, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brenton Poyser)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 1, 2020) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) transits the Philippine Sea. America, flagship of the America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Walter Estrada)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 26, 2020) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) transit the Philippine Sea to maintain stability in the region. America, flagship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, assigned to Amphibious Squadron Eleven, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Cavenaile)

PHILIPPINE SEA (July 7, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) launches a standard missile (SM) 2 during a live-fire missile exercise with the Republic of Singapore Navy during Pacific Griffin 2021. Pacific Griffin is considered the most complex and warfare-centric bilateral engagement between both navies and represents a continued investment in the strengthening of the solid partnership between the U.S. and Republic of Singapore. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Deanna Gonzales)

CORAL SEA (July 21, 2021) An F-35B Lightning fighter aircraft from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit lands on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during Exercise Talisman Sabre 21. Talisman Sabre 21, the ninth iteration and conducted since 2005, occurs biennially across Northern Australia. Australian, U.S. and other multinational partner forces use Talisman Sabre to enhance interoperability by training in complex, multi-domain operations scenarios that address the full range of Indo-Pacific security concerts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan D. Berlier)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 23, 2021) The Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn (T-AO 198) steams ahead of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) in preparation for a replenishment-at-sea. Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zenaida Roth)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 16, 2021) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) prepare to chock and chain a CV-22B Osprey from the U.S. Air Force 21st Special Operations Squadron to the ship’s flight deck. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan D. Berlier)

CORAL SEA (July 21, 2021) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) transits the Coral Sea during Exercise Talisman Sabre 21. Talisman Sabre 21, the ninth iteration and conducted since 2005, occurs biennially across Northern Australia. Australian, U.S. and other multinational partner forces use Talisman Sabre to enhance interoperability by training in complex, multi-domain operations scenarios that address the full range of Indo-Pacific security concerts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan D. Berlier)

EAST CHINA SEA (Nov. 4, 2021) Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) transits the East China Sea during routine operations. Dewey is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin Stack)

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 1, 2021)The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) approaches the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan in preparation for a refueling-at-sea evolution. Halsey is assigned to Commander, Task Force 70/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Operations Specialist Michael Ojeda)

PORT OF KUSHIRO, Japan (Oct. 5, 2022) Sailors from Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 1 and Navy Cargo Handling Battalion (NCHB) 1, as part of the Navy Support Element in support of Operation Resolute Dragon 22, stabilize a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle with lines during crane operations on an Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS) craft while moored to USNS Dahl (T-AKR 312) in Kushiro Port, Japan. USS Benfold (DDG 65), USNS Dahl (T-AKR 312), and USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) are participating in joint bilateral integration with III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) in support of Resolute Dragon 22. Exercises like this one reassure our allies and partners of the U.S. commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Storm Henry)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 11, 2021) An F-35B Lightning II assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) prepares to launch from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

PHILIPPINE SEA (May 8, 2021) Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class David Feder, from Conroe, Texas, and Culinary Specialist 1st Class Angela Peoples, from San Antonio, Calif., operate a .50 caliber machine gun during an Integrated Training Team drill aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54). Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zenaida Roth)

EAST CHINA SEA (March 9, 2020) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) transits the East China Sea. Curtis Wilbur is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cody Beam)

CORAL SEA (July 21, 2021) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) transits the Coral Sea during Exercise Talisman Sabre 21. Talisman Sabre 21, the ninth iteration and conducted since 2005, occurs biennially across Northern Australia. Australian, U.S. and other multinational partner forces use Talisman Sabre to enhance interoperability by training in complex, multi-domain operations scenarios that address the full range of Indo-Pacific security concerts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan D. Berlier)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 21, 2021) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Ray Hightower, from Houston, assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), directs an MV-22B Osprey assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to take off from the flight deck. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

PHILIPPINE SEA (March 1, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) flies the Battle Ensign underway during the annual U.S.-Japan Bilateral Advanced Warfighting Training Exercise. BAWT focuses on joint training and interoperability of coalition forces, and enables real-world proficiency and readiness in response to any contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Deanna C. Gonzales)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 18, 2021) Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16) sails with German Navy frigate FGS Bayern (F 217). Tulsa & USS Jackson (LCS 6), part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, are on a rotational deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (German Navy courtesy photo)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 10, 2021) F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) land on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 4, 2021) An MH-60S Sea Hawk Helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 (HSC 12) "Golden Falcons" sits prepared to launch on the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of Amphibious Squadron 11 (CPR 11), along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelby Sanders)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 28, 2022) Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) launches a BQM-177A subsonic aerial target (SSAT) during a Standard Missile (SM) 2 exercise conducted with Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) as part of Pacific Vanguard (PV) 22 while operating in the Philippine Sea. PV22 is an exercise with a focus on interoperability and the advanced training and integration of allied maritime forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Greg Johnson)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 11, 2020) A cake is presented on the mess decks of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) during an event held in remembrance of the 9/11 attacks 19 years ago. Germantown, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)

EAST CHINA SEA (July 28, 2020) A close-in weapons system is fired during a live-fire exercise aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). Germantown, part of America Expeditionary Strike Group, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serves as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 25, 2021) Lt. j.g. Elijah Jones, from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., fires a M4 rifle during a live-fire exercise aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54). Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zenaida Roth)

TAIWAN STRAIT (Aug. 30, 2020) The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) conducts a routine transit through the Taiwan Strait. Halsey is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Langholf)

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 1, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) conducts a refueling-at-sea evolution alongside the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. Halsey is assigned to Commander, Task Force 70/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Operations Specialist Michael Ojeda)

SASEBO, Japan (Aug. 1, 2020) A landing craft, utility from Navy Beachmaster Unit 7 conducts amphibious operations in the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serves as a ready response force to defend security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelby Sanders)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 10, 2021) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Cosme Zamora, from Compton, Calif., assigned to amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), directs an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) from the ship’s flight deck. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 19, 2020) A CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft assigned to the Air Force 21st Special Operations Squadron stands by on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group and assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Walter Estrada)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 11, 2021) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) conduct flight operations with an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

INDIAN OCEAN (June 24, 2021) USS Halsey (DDG 97) and INS Kochi (D 64) steam in formation while conducting operations with the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is attached to Commander, Task Force 70/Carrier Strike Group 5 conducting underway operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Operations Specialist Michael Ojeda)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 27, 2021) A landing craft air cushion assigned to Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7 transits into formation. NBU 7, embarked with USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and USS Ashland (LSD 48), part of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelby Sanders)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 26, 2020) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Breanna Delafuente, from Long Beach, Miss., assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), prepares to launch a CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 from the ship’s flight deck. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit team, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Vincent E. Zline)

PHILIPPINE SEA (March 22, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) fires its Mark 45 5-inch gun during a live-fire gunnery exercise. Benfold is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Deanna Gonzales)

EAST CHINA SEA (Nov. 5, 2021) Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) conducts flight operations with an MH-60R Sea Hawk, assigned to the “Warlords” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51. Dewey is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin Stack)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 14, 2020) An MH-60S Seahawk helicopter from the “Archangels” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, Detachment 6 participates in a replenishment-at-sea between the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) and the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11). Germantown, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 11, 2021) An F-35B Lightning II assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) prepares to launch from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.