170406-N-LI768-283 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 6, 2017) Lt. Cmdr. Zachary Miller signals an AV-8B Harrier assigned to the "Ridge Runners" of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 to take off from the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). The ship 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)