200409-N-KL617-1051 EAST CHINA SEA (April 9, 2020) A landing craft, air cushion assigned to Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7 lowers its vehicle ramp in the well deck of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, 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 2nd Class Kelby Sanders/Released)