190703-N-WI365-1040 CORAL SEA (July 3, 2019) Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) ride in a combat rubber raiding craft (CRRC) after launching from the stern gate of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during CRRC 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, while simultaneously providing a flexible and lethal crisis response force ready to perform a wide range of military operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda/Released)