190203-N-WI365-1008 PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 3, 2019) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) prepare to enter the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) in combat rubber raiding crafts (CRRC) during CRRC recovery operations. 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)