200209-M-LD713-085 PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 9, 2020), Capt. Benjamin Gentry, an assistant fire support coordinator with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, shakes hands with Col. Satoru Fuwa, a staff officer with 1st Helicopter Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, after a brief on an upcoming simulated mission aboard 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. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kevan Dunlop/Released)