190124-N-WI365-2070 PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 24, 2019) Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Nayyaamunhotep Stubbs, from West Palm Beach, Florida, directs the operation of the stern gate aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) as Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) depart the well deck in combat rubber raiding crafts. Ashland, part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 31st MEU, is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda/Released)