200204-N-BT681-1062 PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 4, 2020) Lance Cpl. Bryan Gamez, from Torrance, California, assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced) conducts maintenance on life preservers in the aviation survival equipment shop of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st 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 Seaman Jonathan Berlier/Released)