180314-N-XK398-039 WATERS OFF THE COAST OF JAPAN (March 14, 2018) Sailors aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) prepare to conduct small boat operations early in the morning. Ashland is conducting an amphibious certification as a final readiness preparation in advance of a routine patrol in the Indo-Pacific region with the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Mortensen/Released)