200125-N-QD718-1162 EAST CHINA SEA (Jan. 25, 2020) Sailors heave line for a landing craft utility assigned to Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7, in the well deck aboard the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). Germantown, part 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 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 Toni Burton)