200421-N-FA868-1428 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 21, 2020) Operations Specialist 2nd Class Xavier Ray, from Mullins, North Carolina, assigned to amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), participates in a small arms qualification course. 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 Apprentice Theodore Lee/Released)