200421-M-WB494-1003 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 21, 2020) Rear Adm. Fred Kacher, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7, speaks to S-1 Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, flagship of the America ESG, 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 Cpl. Isaac Cantrell/Released)