200129-N-VE240-1668 PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 28, 2020) the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) sails in formation with other U.S. ships in the Philippine Sea. 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 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 1st Class Rufus Hucks/Released)