180926-N-XK398-1195 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 26, 2018) Sailors aboard the the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) and Marines attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) participate in a weight-lifting competition in the ship's boat deck. 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)