180319-N-XK398-173 OKINAWA, Japan (March 19, 2018) Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Nayyaamunhotep Stubbs, from West Palm Beach, Fla., Signals an amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) assigned to Combat Assault Battalion, AAV Company, in the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48). Ashland, part of the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners, serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency, and advance the Up-Gunned ESG concept. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Mortensen/Released)