200113-N-ZS023-1022 EAST CHINA SEA (Jan. 13, 2020) Capt. Luke Frost, left, commanding officer of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) receives a uniform patch from Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Rear Adm. Shirane Tsutomu, commander of the JMSDF Mine Warfare Force, during an underway visit. 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/Released)