EAST CHINA SEA (Jan. 15, 2020) An F-35B Lightning II assigned to the "Green Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) lands on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU 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 Vance Hand)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 22, 2015) An AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311 lands aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), marking the ship's first launch and recovery of the aircraft. America is conducting maritime training operations off the coast of California. The ship is the first of its class and is optimized for Marine Corps aviation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael McNabb/Released)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 19, 2020) An F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Marine Medium Tiltrotor (VMM) 265 (Reinforced) takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). 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 Vance Hand)

PHILIPPINE SEA (March 28, 2020) An MV-22B Osprey assigned to 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced) prepares to land on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). 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 Seaman Apprentice Theodore C. Lee)

EAST CHINA SEA (Jan. 14, 2020) An MV-22 Osprey assigned to the “Dragons” of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit lands the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). 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 Seaman Apprentice Theodore C. Lee)

SOLOMON SEA (Aug. 4, 2021) An MH-60S Sea Hawk with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 prepares for takeoff aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). The MH-60S is a multi-mission platform allowing combatant commanders incredible flexibility in open-ocean and littoral operations. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of America Expeditionary Strike 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 Staff Sgt. John Tetrault)

EAST CHINA SEA (Nov. 03, 2021) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) steams along with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship JS Ise (DDH 118) during a formation exercise. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, along with the 31st MEU, 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Thomas B. Contant)

CORAL SEA (July 19, 2021) A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepares for take-off aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), during Talisman Sabre. The MV-22B provides combat commanders with extended range and flexibility for a wide range of missions. Australian and U.S. forces combine biannually for Talisman Sabre, a month-long multi-domain exercise that strengthens allied and partner capabilities to respond to the full range of Indo-Pacific security concerns. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of America Expeditionary Strike 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 Staff Sgt. John Tetrault)

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 14, 2020) Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) conduct flight operations with an MV-22B Osprey assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced). 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 1st Class Rufus Hucks)

SOLOMON SEA (Aug. 6, 2021) U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fast-rope aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). Marines train to fast-rope in case they are required to depart from an aircraft in a timely manner or a possible landing on uneven terrain. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of America Expeditionary Strike 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 Staff Sgt. John Tetrault)

EAST CHINA SEA (Jan. 11, 2020) An F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). 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 Vance Hand)

EAST CHINA SEA (Jan. 15, 2020) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Sabrina Bales, from Harper, Texas, signals an F-35B Lightning II assigned to the "Green Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to take off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU 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 Vance Hand)

CORAL SEA (July 14, 2021) A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepares for landing aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), during Talisman Sabre. The MV-22B provides combat commanders with extended range and flexibility for a wide range of missions. Australian and U.S. forces combine biannually for Talisman Sabre, a month-long multi-domain exercise that strengthens allied and partner capabilities to respond to the full range of Indo-Pacific security concerns. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of America Expeditionary Strike 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 Staff Sgt. John Tetrault)

210113-N-FA868-1572 PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 14, 2021) Two MV-22B Ospreys assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit prepare to launch from the flight deck of the forward-deployed 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Theodore C. Lee)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan 30, 2021 F-35B Lightning II’s with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), land aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 30, 2021. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Expeditionary Strike 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 (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brandon Salas)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 29, 2020) Marines assigned to the Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) board an MV-22 Osprey, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 625 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU 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/Released)

SOLOMON SEA (Aug. 6, 2021) A Navy aviation boatswain's mate ground guides a Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter, while Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fast rope aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Solomon Sea. Marines train to fast rope in case they are required to depart from the aircraft in a timely manner or a possible landing on uneven terrain. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of America Expeditionary Strike 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 Lance Cpl. Malik Lewis)

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 4, 2020) An F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to launch from the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during flight operations. The purpose of flight operations is to ensure all equipment is operating correctly and gives pilots an opportunity to hone their skills. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU 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. Marine photo by Lance Cpl. Kolby Leger)

SAN DIEGO (Nov. 13, 2019) Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) departs its homeport of Naval Base San Diego. America departed San Diego to join the forward-deployed naval forces in Sasebo, Japan, where it will serve as the flagship for Expeditionary Strike Group 7.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chad Swysgood)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 5, 2020) Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Akiel L. Mayers, from Ypsilanti, Michigan, signals an F-35B Lightning II assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), to take off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). 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 Seaman Jonathan Berlier)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan 30, 2021) MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), perform flight operations from amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 30, 2021. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Expeditionary Strike 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 (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brandon Salas)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 31, 2021) A CH-47 Chinook helicopter from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, 1st Helicopter Brigade, lands aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during joint integrated flight operations. America, flagship 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 Seaman Matthew Cavenaile)

An F-35B with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), takes April 18 off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the South China Sea. VMM-265 (Rein.), with F-35Bs from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, is currently serving as the aviation combat element for the 31st MEU. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU 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. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Isaac Cantrell)

PHILIPPINE SEA (March 28, 2020) An F-35B Lightning II assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced) takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). 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 Seaman Apprentice Theodore C. Lee)

PACIFIC OCEAN (April 6, 2017) A rolling airframe missile (RAM), a surface-to-air intercept missile launches from amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during a live-fire missile exercise off the coast of California. America is currently underway with more than 1,000 Sailors and 1,600 embarked Marines conducting Amphibious Squadron/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration operations in preparation for the ship’s maiden deployment later this year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Chad Swysgood/Released)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 13, 2020) Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) sails alongside littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10). 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 Seaman Apprentice Theodore C. Lee)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 2, 2020) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Bendron Averett, from Beaumont, Texas, assigned to amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), signals an AH-1Z Viper helicopter assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) on the ship’s flight deck. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU 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 defense peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Vincent E. Zline)

EAST CHINA SEA (Jan. 13, 2020) Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force amphibious transport dock ship JS Kunisaki (LST 4003) operate together in the East China Sea. 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)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 17, 2021) Sailors assigned to forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct flight operations during a long-range raid exercise. 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 2nd Class Vincent E. Zline)

SASEBO, Japan (Dec. 6, 2019) Sailors man the rails as the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) arrives at Fleet Activities Sasebo to join the forward deployed naval forces. America is assigned to Amphibious Squadron Eleven and will serve as the flagship for Expeditionary Strike Group 7 while conducting routine operations in the Western Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Vincent E. Zline)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 15, 2020) Ships from the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group and from the America Expeditionary Strike Group transit the South China Sea in formation. Operating as an Expeditionary Strike Force, the Navy-Marine Corps team integrates the combat power of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group with the flexible capability of the America Expeditionary Strike Group and 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to provide the fleet commander with a capable, credible combat force that can be deployed anywhere in the world. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brandon Richardson)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 6, 2021) The Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) receives fuel from the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during a fueling-at-sea. America Expeditionary Strike Group along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, are conducting operations alongside partner nations and allies in support of the Combined and Join Battle Problem (CJBP). CJBP is one of many operations nested under the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Large Scale Global Exercise (LSGE) 21. LSGE 21 is a global command and control exercise, with a regional focus, to enhance integration of the U.S., allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Vincent E. Zline)

PHILIPPINE SEA (March 23, 2020) An F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during an air defense exercise. The 31st MEU’s F-35s provide a lethal offensive aviation capability that allows the Expeditionary Strike Force to both project power and defend the amphibious task force from anti-ship threats. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU 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. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Isaac Cantrell)

210113-N-FA868-1477 PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 14, 2021) An MV-22B Osprey assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) lands on the flight deck of the forward-deployed 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Theodore C. Lee)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 14, 2021) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Joshua Ott, from Houston, assigned to 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Cavenaile)

SOLOMON SEA (Aug. 4, 2021) An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepares for take-off aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). The MV-22B provides combatant commanders with extended range and flexibility for a wide range of missions. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of America Expeditionary Strike 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 Staff Sgt. John Tetrault)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 4, 2016) An F-35B Lightning II aircraft takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during flight operations. The F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant is the worldâs first supersonic STOVL stealth aircraft. America, with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1), Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 (VMFA-211) and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) embarked, are underway conducting operational testing and the third phase of developmental testing for the F-35B Lightning II aircraft, respectively. The tests will evaluate the full spectrum of joint strike fighter measures of suitability and effectiveness in an at-sea environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kyle Goldberg/Released)

PHILIPPINE SEA (March 23, 2020) An F-35B Lightning II assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced) takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). 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 Seaman Jonathan Berlier)

An F-35B Lightning II assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced) prepares to take of the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 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.

SOLOMON SEA (Aug. 6, 2021) U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepare to fast-rope aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). Marines train to fast-rope in case they are required to depart from an aircraft in a timely manner or a possible landing on uneven terrain. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of America Expeditionary Strike 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 Staff Sgt. John Tetrault)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 13, 2021) A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion Helicopter transports cargo during a Helicopter Support Team (HST) exercise aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea. Marines conduct HST training in order to increase proficiency in logistics tasks and enhance the ability to execute potential contingency missions carried out be the 31st MEU. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of America Expeditionary Strike 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 Lance Cpl. Malik Lewis)

SOLOMON SEA (Aug. 6, 2021) U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fast-rope aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). Marines train to fast-rope in case they are required to depart from an aircraft in a timely manner or a possible landing on uneven terrain. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of America Expeditionary Strike 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 Staff Sgt. John Tetrault)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 24, 2021) Sailors assigned to forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) watch Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (R 08), foreground, followed by Royal Navy destroyer HMS Defender (D 36), left, and USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), in the ship’s hangar bay during a formation exercise. 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 2nd Class Vincent E. Zline)

SANTA RITA, Guam (Jan. 9, 2018) The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) arrives at Naval Base Guam for a scheduled port visit. San Diego, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to strengthen partnerships and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Daniel Pastor/Released)

EAST CHINA SEA (Jan. 19, 2020) A close-in weapon system (CIWS) aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) fires from the ship’s fantail. 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)

SURAGA BAY, Japan (Sept. 14, 2024) Forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) passes Mount Fuji during Transport Exercise (TRANSPORTEX), Sept. 14. TRANSPORTEX is a humanitarian aid and disaster relief exercise, further enhancing interoperability between the U.S. and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, enabling a combined rapid response force in the event of crisis or natural disaster. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kenneth Melseth)

JAVA SEA (Dec. 30, 2017) An MV-22 Osprey assigned to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 (Reinforced) lifts off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the Indo-Asia Pacific region to strengthen partnerships and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Vance Hand/Released)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 24, 2021) Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (R 08) and ships from the U.S. Navy, Royal Navy, Royal Netherlands Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force sail in formation with forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, flagship 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 Vincent E. Zline)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 23, 2021) Littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) sails alongside forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during a fueling-at-sea. 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 Thomas B. Contant)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 13, 2020) Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) sails alongside Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10). Gabrielle Giffords, part of Commander, 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 Naval Helicopter Aircrewman 1st Class Amber Danielle Barlow/Released)