200314-N-QD718-1104 PHILIPPINE SEA (March 14, 2020) U.S. Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy sailors prepare to launch Landing Craft, Utility 1633, assigned to Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7, from the well deck of the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). Germantown, part of 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)