180926-N-XK398-1105 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 26, 2018) Landing craft utility 1633 prepares to enter the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48). Ashland, part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, 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)