180329-N-RI884-0164 PHILIPPINE SEA (March 29, 2018) The amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) is underway in the Philippine Sea. Ashland, part of the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group, with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU), 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 1st Class Daniel Barker/Released)