200218-N-RU810-1017 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 18, 2020) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) perform a fast rope exercise on the port aircraft elevator of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike group, 31st MEU team, is operating in the 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 3rd Class Vincent E. Zline/Released)