180321-N-XK398-006 PHILIPPINE SEA (March 21, 2018) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) clean .50 caliber machine guns in the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48). Ashland is part of the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), which 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)