200214-N-QD718-2127 PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 14, 2020) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Jabari Hosten, assigned to the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), from Trincity, Trinidad, signals during a vertical replenishment-at-sea with the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4), while receiving fuel from the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199). 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 serves 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 Toni Burton/Released)