180921-N-XK398-1098 EAST CHINA SEA (Sept. 21, 2018) Marines, assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fire M4 carbines during a live-fire exercise on the flight deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48). Ashland, part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 31st MEU, is operating in the Indo-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)