200403-N-DB724-1018 PHILIPPINE SEA (April 3, 2020) Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Gavin Merrigan, from New River, Arizona, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) fires an M240B machine gun during a live fire exercise. America, 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 Jomark Almazan/Released)