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