200129-N-RU810-2005 PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 29, 2020 Vice Adm. Bill Merz, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, left, talks to Rear Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7, on the bridge of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) 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)