190127-N-WI365-1082 PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 27, 2019) Sailors aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) signal to an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the “Island Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 as it takes off from the flight deck during flight operations. Ashland, part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (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)