200329-M-KL008-1007 PHILIPPINE SEA (March 29, 2020) Cmdr. Matt Weems, a chaplain aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), welcomes Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Sailors assigned to America to Baptist services in the America chapel. While underway, Marines and Sailors are able to participate in services of various religions and denominations. The Navy Chaplain Corps consists of over 800 chaplains from over 100 faith groups, meeting the needs of Marines’ and Sailors’ different beliefs. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU 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. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kolby Leger)