200313-N-FA868-1477 SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 13, 2020) The amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) transits the Gulf of Thailand. America, the flagship 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 serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Theodore C. Lee/Released)