200213-M-IP473-1043 PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 13, 2020) Capt. Christopher Polete left, a V-22 pilot with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and Cpl. Thomas Hoerich, a fire support Marine with the 31st MEU, participate in a close air support Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) exercise aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). JTACs facilitate close air support by communicating directly with aircraft to provide precision fires upon target locations. 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 Sgt. Audrey M. C. Rampton/Released)