170405-N-LI768-036 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 5, 2017) Capt. Mark A. Melson, commanding officer of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), scans the horizon from the pilot house. Makin Island is the flagship of its amphibious ready group, which is operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to enhance amphibious capability with regional partners and to serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Devin M. Langer/Released)