200418-N-BT681-1001 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 18, 2020) Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) transits the South China Sea. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, 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 Seaman Jonathan Berlier/Released)