170316-N-XT039-111 EAST CHINA SEA (March 16, 2017) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Roque Ramirez, from Falfurrias, Texas, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), directs an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the "Island Knights" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 during take-off during an air assault exercise in support of amphibious integration training. The training is designed to integrate all elements of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (BHR ESG) and 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to test their ability to plan for and execute mission essential tasks. Bonhomme Richard, flagship of the BHR ESG, with embarked 31st MEU, is on a routine patrol, operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to enhance warfighting readiness and posture forward as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jesse Marquez Magallanes/Released)