180314-N-XK398-166 WATERS OFF THE COAST OF JAPAN (March 14, 2018) Seaman Alexis Vazquez, from Cleveland, Ohio, signals an amphibious assault vehicle (AAV), assigned to Combat Assault Battalion, AAV Company, to enter the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during an AAV operation. 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)