JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (Oct. 17, 2022) - A NATO E3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) assigned to NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany, lands after training during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 17, 2022. RF-A 23-1 provides tactical training for the full spectrum of conflict, emphasizing air superiority, precision engagement, close air support, command and control, intelligence coordination, and personnel recovery. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maria Galvez) 221017-F-OE152-1004

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PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 21, 2020) Sailors check their targets and pick up spent casings after a live-fire training exercise aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7), 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 (Sept. 25, 2020) Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Eric Hayford, from Cleveland, tests a nasal swab sample aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven 7, 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 (Sept. 24, 2020) Sailors from Naval Beach Unit 7 man a line alongside Sailors from the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) during an underway replenishment. New Orleans, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7), 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)

EAST CHINA SEA (Oct. 28, 2021) Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Jorge Kanyelis, from San Diego, speaks into a handheld radio aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) during a replenishment-at-sea with Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Mashu-class replenishment ship JS Omi (AOE-426). 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 (Oct. 28, 2021) Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) 3rd Class Lucas Vath, left, from Minneapolis, Chief Warrant Officer Binh Pham, center, from San Diego, and Quartermaster Seaman Brandon Gonzalez, right, from Boise, Idaho, load a simulated casualty onto a stretcher during a general quarters drill aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65). Benfold 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 1st Class Deanna C. Gonzales)

200802-N-DB724-1039 EAST CHINA SEA (Aug. 2, 2020) An MH-60S Seahawk helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), prepares to take off during flight operations at night. America, flagship of America Expeditionary Strike Group, 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 maintain security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jomark A. Almazan)

EAST CHINA SEA (Aug. 6, 2020) The amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) transits the East China Sea. 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 (July 24, 2021) Engineman 2nd Class James Macias, from Fresno, Calif., dresses out in firefighting gear for a firefighting drill aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65). Benfold 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 1st Class Deanna Gonzales)

OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 19, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Juan Paulo Capati, left, from Vallejo, Calif., with Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7, uses signal flags as a ramp marshal, while Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Patrick Vowell, from Martin, Tenn., also with NBU 7, performs duties as senior ramp marshal as Landing Craft, Air Cushion 9, assigned to NBU 7, currently attached to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), conducts amphibious operations on Blue Beach. Germantown, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7), 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)

A BT-13 Valiant taxis on the runway at Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, August 27, 2020. The Valiant is one of the 14 classic combat aircraft slated to participate in the Oahu flyovers as part of the Official 75th Commemoration of the End of WWII Sept. 2, 2020. World War II remains a historic reminder of how the dedicated resolve of allies with a common purpose and shared vision builds proven partnerships that ensure we continue to stand together with our allies and partners in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)

SAN BERNARDINO STRAIT (Oct. 29, 2021) Boatswain's Mate Seaman Shawn Rosen, left, from Chicago, Seaman Lawrence Molo, center, from Chicago, and Boatswain's Mate Seaman Patrick Seyler, from St. George, South Carolina secure the pelican hook on the focsle of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) as the ship conducts a passage through the San Bernardino Strait. Benfold 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 1st Class Deanna C. Gonzales)

PHILIPPINE SEA (July 5, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) fires its Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) during a live-fire gunnery exercise. Benfold 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 2nd Class Deanna Gonzales)

PHUKET, Thailand (Aug. 15, 2021) U.S. Navy and Thailand Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Thai MECC) personnel practice maritime tactics, techniques and procedures during Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) exercise. In its 20th year, SEACAT is a multilateral exercise designed to enhance cooperation among 21 participating Southeast Asian countries and provide mutual support and a common goal to address crises, contingencies, and illegal activities in the maritime domain in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (Thailand Maritime Enforcement Command Center courtesy photo)

PHILIPPINES (Oct. 10, 2022) - U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2d Marines conduct a combined amphibious raid with Philippine Marines during KAMANDAG 6, in San Vicente, Philippines, Oct. 10, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military, designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. 1/2 is forward deployed under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart) 221010-M-EJ408-1097

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PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 22, 2020) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct fast-rope sustainment training aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, flagship of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven, 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 Jomark A. Almazan)

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (Sep. 2, 2020) A World War II-era vintage aircraft flies above the Battleship Missouri Memorial for the 75th Anniversary of the End of WWII commemoration ceremony, Sept. 2, 2020, at Pearl Harbor. The events of WWII remain a historic reminder of how the dedicated resolve of allies with a common purpose and shared vision builds proven, enduring partnerships. The U.S. military continues to stand together with allies and partners in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.)

SEA OF JAPAN (Sept. 17, 2021) Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Alyssa Hammaker, from Franklin, North Carolina, applies primer to a bulkhead aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65). Benfold 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 1st Class Deanna Gonzales)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 23, 2021) Ensign Paul Baclayon, from New York City, prepares .50-caliber ammunition for a crew serve weapons familiarization aboard Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54). Antietam is attached to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 70 and conducting underway operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samantha Oblander)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 10, 2020) Sailors and a Marine show a CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 that chocks and chains have been removed, allowing the aircraft to launch from the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, 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 Kelby Sanders)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (June 6, 2021) Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Makayla Hall, from Springfield, Ohio, heaves a shot line aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during a replenishment-at-sea with Military Sealift Command Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn (T-AO 198). 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 Rot)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 9, 2020) Fireman Jessenia Rodriquez, left, from Las Vegas, assists Machinist’s Mate Fireman David Jimenez, from Hoboken, N.J., with donning firefighting gear in the hangar bay of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike 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 Seaman Matthew Cavenaile)

OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 19, 2020) Landing Craft, Air Cushion 9, assigned to Naval Beach Unit 7, currently attached to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), conducts amphibious operations in waters off Blue Beach. Germantown, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7), 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 (Aug. 22, 2020) Fireman Dane Belflower, from Byron, Ga., right, fights a simulated fire with hose team leader Damage Controlman 2nd Class Tionna Karpinski, from Grand Rapids, Mich., during damage control training in a main engine room aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). Germantown, part of America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit team 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)

OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 19, 2020) Landing Craft, Air Cushion 10, assigned to Naval Beach Unit 7, currently attached to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), conducts amphibious operations on Blue Beach. Germantown, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7), 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)

OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 19, 2020) Landing Craft, Air Cushion 9, assigned to Naval Beach Unit 7, currently attached to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), conducts amphibious operations on Blue Beach. Germantown, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7), 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)

OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 19, 2020) Marines with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) offload gear from Landing Craft, Air Cushion 10, assigned to Naval Beach Unit 7, currently attached to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), during amphibious operations on Blue Beach. Germantown, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7), 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)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 17, 2021)Sailors haul line during a replenishment-at-sea with fleet replenishment oiler Henry J. Kaiser-class USNS Big Horn (T-AO 198) 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)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 22, 2020) Damage Controlman 2nd Class Erik Coffee, from White House, Texas, center, reads casualty reports from a watch-stander checklist during damage control training aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). Germantown, part of America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit team 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)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 26, 2020) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Steven Crisologo, left, from Manila, Philippines, and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Tyler Montgomery, from Houston, both assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), launch an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Archangels of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 Detachment 6 to conduct a visit, board, search and seizure exercise. 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 (Jan. 10, 2020) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Elena Gurule, from Rio Rancho, N.M., assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) conducts 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.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 14, 2021)Machinist’s Mate Fireman Apprentice Aasiyah Cutchin, from Dallas, turns a valve to shift water from one tank to another aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65). Benfold 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 2nd Class Deanna Gonzales)

OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 19, 2020) Landing Craft, Air Cushion 9, assigned to Naval Beach Unit 7, currently attached to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), departs Blue Beach during amphibious operations. Germantown, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7), 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 (Sept. 22, 2020) Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct a small arms live-fire training exercise aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7), 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)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 14, 2021) Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) Fireman Toni Stringfellow, from Washington D.C., conducts corrective maintenance on a gas turbine generator aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65). Benfold 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 2nd Class Deanna Gonzales)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 21, 2020) Electronics Technician 2nd Class Christopher Groover, from Port St. Lucie, Fl., reports casualty status in the combat information center during a combat systems training exercise aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7), 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)

OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 19, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Juan Paulo Capati, left, from Vallejo, Calif., with Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7, uses signal flags as a ramp marshal, while Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Patrick Vowell, from Martin, Tenn., also with NBU 7, performs duties as senior ramp marshal as Landing Craft, Air Cushion 9, assigned to NBU 7, currently attached to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), conducts amphibious operations on Blue Beach. Germantown, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7), 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)

Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital staff receives the Coronavirus-19 vaccine at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys Dec. 28, 2020. The hospital is one of three U.S. Department of Defense medical treatment facilities in South Korea inoculating medical staff and other key personnel during the initial worldwide distribution of the vaccine. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Erin Conway)

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HALIFAX, Canada (Nov. 20, 2021) - Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, speaks during the 2021 Halifax International Security Forum (HFX). HFX is dedicated to strengthening strategic cooperation among democratic nations. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anthony J. Rivera) 211120-N-XC372-2013

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200EAST CHINA SEA (Aug. 4, 2020) Sailors assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 conduct maintenance on an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter in the hangar bay of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, flag ship of America Expeditionary Strike Group, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners as a ready response force to maintain security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Vincent E. Zline)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 10, 2021) Hospitalman Victoria Henzler, from Piti, Guam, passes surgical tools to members of Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 7 during a routine surgery aboard 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)

OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 19, 2020) Landing Craft, Air Cushion 10, assigned to Naval Beach Unit 7, currently attached to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), conducts amphibious operations in waters off Blue Beach. Germantown, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7), 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 (Nov. 5, 2021) Sailors assigned to forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) raise a 7-meter small boat on replenishment-at-sea station 7 during a man overboard drill. 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)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 21, 2020) Fire Controlman 2nd Class Christopher Moeser, from Belleville, Ill., loads a magazine into a 9mm pistol during a live-fire training exercise aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7), 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)

OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 19, 2020) Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Juan Paulo Capati, left, from Vallejo, Calif., with Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7, uses signal flags as a ramp marshal, while Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Patrick Vowell, from Martin, Tenn., also with NBU 7, performs duties as senior ramp marshal as Landing Craft, Air Cushion 9, assigned to NBU 7, currently attached to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), comes up on cushion during amphibious operations on Blue Beach. Germantown, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7), 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 (June 10, 2022) Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 2nd Class Cole Adey, from San Diego, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 3, participates in helicopter visit, board, search and seizure (HVBSS) exercise aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) in conjunction with Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in U.S. 7th Fleet to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samantha Oblander)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 14, 2020) Quartermaster 2nd Class Victoria Peters, from Springfield, Ohio, uses a sextant to determine the distance between the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11), middle, and USS Germantown (LSD 42). New Orleans, 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 Kelby Sanders)

OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 19, 2020) Landing Craft, Air Cushion 9, assigned to Naval Beach Unit 7, currently attached to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), sits off-cushion on Blue Beach during amphibious operations. Germantown, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7), 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 (Sept. 19, 2020) Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Alexander Grube, from Allentown, Penn., fires an M240 machine gun during a live-fire training exercise aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7), 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)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 26, 2012) Sailors aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) heave a line during a replenishment-at-sea with Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) as Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) sails in the distance. Benfold 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 1st Class Deanna Gonzales)