SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 18,2022) Operations Specialist Seaman Recruit Alayis Vicens, from Lorain, Ohio, looks for surface contacts on the bridge wing as Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) conducts routine underway operations. Ralph Johnson is forward-deployed to U.S. 7th Fleet in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samantha Oblander)

SASEBO, Japan (Oct. 27, 2020) A hose team attacks a mock fire during a Federal Fire integrated firefighting drill aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). The fire drill integrates fire fighters from Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo Federal Firefighters with Sailors aboard the ship to train on fighting in-port fires. New Orleans, 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)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 19, 2022) Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331) cruises behind Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) while conducting integrated operations in the South China Sea. Higgins is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, 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 Donavan K. Patubo)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 22, 2022) Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) pulls alongside Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE-7) to conduct a replenishment-at-sea. Ralph Johnson, assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, is the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samantha Oblander)

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)

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 16, 2023) - U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, exit a MV-22B Osprey during fly away drills aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6), in the Pacific Ocean, June 16, 2023. The fly away drills improved coordination between the ground combat element and the air combat element for future operations. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 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. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Abigail Godinez) 230616-M-NG717-1027

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PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 3, 2020) The amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), left, conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10) with MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters from the “Archangels” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, Detachment 6. 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 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 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)

EAST CHINA SEA (Nov. 4, 2021) Quartermaster 3rd Class Kalli Scheff, from Cartersville, Georgia, scans for surface contacts on the bridge wing of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105). 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)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, receives fuel from a 92nd Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during a training sortie for RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2, June 22, 2022. The 18th Aggressor Squadron supports RFA by sharing its knowledge of adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures to participating units, ensuring the United States and its allies receive the best air combat training possible. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 14, 2020) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) test fires its close-in weapon system. America, flagship of the 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 Seaman Matthew Cavenaile)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 6, 2020) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) prepare an AH-1Z Viper helicopter assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) to launch during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise. 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 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 Vincent E. Zline)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 26, 2020) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Steven Weaver, left, from Green River, Wyo., and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Devin Call, from Winchester, Va., both assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), signal a CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unite (MEU), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 to launch 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)

EAST CHINA SEA (Nov. 5, 2021) Sailors aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) conduct refueling 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)

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (July 19, 2022) - A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing conducts a training sortie above Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 19, 2022. This year marks the F-22’s 25th anniversary of consistently providing America and its allies with fifth-generation air superiority. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan) 220719-F-UN330-1490

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PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 10, 2021) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Joshua Ott, from Houston, assigned to amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), salutes 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 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.

EAST CHINA SEA (June 30, 2022) Operations Specialist 1st Class Rodney Ragin, from Jersey City, N.J., chocks and chains an MH-60R Sea Hawk, assigned to the “Warlords” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51, during flight operations aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105). Dewey 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 2nd Class Samantha Oblander)

PHILIPPINE SEA (March 20, 2021) Chief Fire Controlman (Aegis) Danew Thompson, from Early Branch, S.C., stands watch in the combat information center of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65). 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)

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines establish temporary firing positions during Artillery Relocation Training Program 22.4 at the Yausubetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Feb. 1, 2023. The skills developed at ARTP increase the proficiency and readiness of the only permanently forward-deployed artillery unit in the Marine Corps, enabling them to provide precision indirect fires. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jaylen Davis.)

PHILIPPINE SEA (July 2, 2022) Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) Fireman Devin Ellis, from Converse, Texas, climbs a ladder well during a firefighting drill aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105). Dewey is assigned to 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 2nd Class Samantha Oblander)

EAST CHINA SEA (June 30, 2022) An MH-60R Sea Hawk, assigned to the “Warlords” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51, lands on the flight deck of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105). Dewey 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 2nd Class Samantha Oblander)

EAST CHINA SEA (Oct. 27, 2021) Operations Specialist 2nd Class Brandon Pratt, from Kenosha, Wisconsin, stands the tactical information coordinator watch in the combat information center aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105). 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)

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (May 3, 2022) - U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs assigned to the 517th Airlift Squadron prepare for launch during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 3, 2022. RF-A is designed to provide realistic training in a simulated combat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Shelimar Rivera Rosado) 220503-F-YB356-1030

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YOKOSUKA, Japan (Nov. 14, 2020) Sailors man the rails as 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)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 3, 2020) The amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10) with MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters from the “Archangels” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, Detachment 6. America, flagship of the America Amphibious Ready Group assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the 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 2nd Class Taylor DiMartino)

PHILIPPINE SEA (July 6, 2021) Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable-class frigate RSS Stalwart (FFC 72) sails alongside Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) 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)

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (June 3, 2023) - A Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) E-767 Airborne Warning and Control System assigned to the 602nd Airborne Air Control Squadron, Hamamatsu Air Base, Japan, arrives at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska, to participate in RED FLAG-Alaska 23-2, June 3, 2023. RF-A serves as an ideal platform for international engagement and enables all involved to exchange tactics, techniques, and procedures while improving interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Julia Lebens) 230603-F-RJ686-1053

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SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 6, 2020) Force Reconnaissance Marines with Command Element, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) transit the ship during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). 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 Ensign William Ash)

KUSHIRO PORT, Japan (Sept. 30, 2022) Sailors attached to Navy Cargo Handling Battalion (NCHB) 1 hold a line steady while conducting a crane lift of an Improved Navy Lighterage System craft aboard USNS Dahl (T-AKR 312) in support of Operation Resolute Dragon 22. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise between the Japan Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy. The exercise is taking place across eight geographically-separated training areas throughout Japan with a focus on distributed operations, coastal defense, and integrated live-fire training. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Storm Henry)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 11, 2021) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Breanna Delafuentes, from Long Beach, Miss., assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) signals 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.

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)

PHILIPPINE SEA (March 26, 2021) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) Airman Estobia Smithfox, from Brooklyn, N.Y., observes a pallet of supplies crossing from the Lewis and Clark class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6) to the deck of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) during a replenishment-at-sea. 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.

PHILIPPINE SEA (March 22, 2021) Quartermaster Seaman Brandon Gonzalez, from Boise, Idaho, lowers the Bravo signal flag at the conclusion of a live-fire gunnery exercise aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65). 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)

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (Aug. 25, 2021) - U.S. Air Force maintainers assigned to the 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron recover an E-3 Sentry with the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron during exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 21-3 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 25, 2021. RF-A 21-3 is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise designed to provide realistic training in a simulated combat environment through a series of commander-directed field training missions that provide joint offensive, counter-air, interdiction, close air support, and large-force employment training. The 718th AMXS and the 961st AACS are based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Alejandro Peña) 210825-F-HY271-0118

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SATTAHIP, Thailand (Feb. 26, 2020) U.S. Navy Builder 2nd Class Brock Farmer, left, a native of Arlington, Texas, and assigned to Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 2, and Royal Thai Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chadchai Phaisanhasa work together to set up the underwater station in the dive training pool for exercise Cobra Gold 2020. This is a joint exercise between UCT-2 and the Royal Thai Navy in executing precision demolition for steel and timber targets, exothermic cutting and underwater welding and to perform hydrographic multi-beam surveying. Exercise Cobra Gold 20 is the largest theater security cooperation exercise in the Indo-Pacific region and is an integral part of the U.S. commitment to strengthen engagement in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Omar Powell)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 14, 2020) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the Archangels of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 delivers pallets of dry goods to the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) during an underway replenishment. 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 Yeoman 2nd Class Mike Canales)

HIJUDAI, Japan (Feb. 19, 2023) – TENTATIVE – U.S. Navy corpsmen with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and soldiers with the 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, carry a simulated casualty on a stretcher during a mass casualty exercise at Hijudai, Japan on Feb. 19, 2023. The training simulated a mass casualty event granting the bi-lateral medical team an opportunity to actively practice medical care in the field with closely simulated pressure and conditions during Iron Fist 23. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the JGSDF, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Bridgette Rodriguez) 230219-M-CX509-1101

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PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 23, 2021) Sailors assigned to forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) conduct flight operations with an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan D. Berlier)

EAST CHINA SEA (Oct. 25, 2021) Sailors aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) conduct flight deck 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 U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin Stack)

SEA OF JAPAN (Sept. 18, 2021) Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Andy Dominguez, from Corona, New York, lubricates gaskets from a magazine sprinkler system aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Deanna Gonzales)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 26, 2020) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) launch from the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in 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 (Sept. 25, 2020) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) transits the Philippine Sea. 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 Seaman Matthew Cavenaile)

SEA OF JAPAN (July 30, 2021) Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) fires a 5 inch gun during a live-fire gunnery exercise. Milius 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 Seaman Apprentice RuKiyah Mack)

EAST CHINA SEA (March 16, 2022) Sailors aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) receive a pallet of supplies from Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE-9) during a replenishment-at-sea. Ralph Johnson is assigned to 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 2nd Class Samantha Oblander)

EAST CHINA SEA (April 24, 2021) Cryptologic Technical Technician 2nd Class Brandon Gibson, from Sacramento, Calif. and Cryptologic Technical Technician 3rd Class Isais Zepeda, from Anthony, N.M., stand the Electronic Warfare Supervisor watch aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) during routine operations. Barry 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 Seaman Justin Stack)

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 28, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) sails in formation with the Republic of Singapore Formidable-class frigate RSS Tenacious (FFC 71) 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)

TAIWAN STRAIT (June 4, 2020) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) transits the Taiwan Strait. Russell is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sean Lynch)

EAST CHINA SEA (June 26, 2022) Sailors heave a line aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) during a replenishment-at-sea with Lewis and Clark-class dry-cargo ship USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE-14). Dewey 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 2nd Class Samantha Oblander)

CATC CAMP FUJI, SHIZUOKA, Japan (March 9, 2021) - Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Soldier assigned to the 1st Airborne Brigade descend from a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron over Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, March 9, 2021, during Airborne 21 exercise. Airborne 21 was the largest U.S.- Japan airborne operation in history; involving approximately 600 JGSDF paratroopers, 12 C-130s' aircraft and 130 containment delivery system bundles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe) 210309-F-PM645-1639

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PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 5, 2020) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Alex Sagastume, from Pearson, Ga., directs the landing of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the “Archangels” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of Expeditionary Strike Group 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 (March 16, 2022) Seaman Chelsea Lockwood, from Prescott, Arizona, signals to Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE-9) during a replenishment-at-sea aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114). Ralph Johnson is assigned to 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 2nd Class Samantha Oblander)