200316-N-QD718-1638 PHILIPPINE SEA (March 16, 2020) Sailors prepare to assist Landing Craft, Utility 1666, assigned to Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7, enter the well deck of the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) during amphibious operations. 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)