200210-M-LD713-043 PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 10, 2020) Master Sgt. Beppu Takashi, a crew chief with the Japan Self-Defense Force observes as Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), begins routine daily maintenance of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft on the flight deck 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. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kevan Dunlop/Released)