191206-N-RU810-2019 SASEBO, Japan (Dec. 6, 2019) Rear Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7, holds a press conference following the ship’s arrival at Sasebo, Japan to join the forward deployed naval forces. America is assigned to Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 and will serve as the flagship for Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7 while conducting routine operations in the western Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Vincent E. Zline/Released)