200129-N-RU810-1012 PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 29, 2020) Capt. Luke Frost, commanding officer of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), greets Vice Adm. Bill Merz, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, on the ship’s quarter deck. 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/Released)