180905-N-XK398-1114 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 5, 2018) Seaman Samuel Cepedia, from Jacksonville, Fla., paints an alligator on the side of the gear locker on the boat deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 5, 2018. Ashland, part of the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), is operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Mortensen/Released)