PHIILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 26, 2020) Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's (MEU) Maritime Raid Force, board the dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) during a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) drill aboard dock landing ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The America ARG, 31st MEU team remains the premier crisis response force in the region despite the unique challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Brittenham)