180420-N-XK398-157 OKINAWA, Japan (April 20, 2018) Marines attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU), launch amphibious assault vehicles from the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) in Okinawa, Japan, after completing a routine patrol with the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG). Ashland, part of the Wasp ESG, with the 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 3rd Class Joshua Mortensen/Released)