170511-N-UK248-0409 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 11, 2017) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Alex Williams, from Houston, assigned to the air department of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), directs an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 during a vertical replenishment. More than 1,800 Sailors and 2,600 Marines assigned to the America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU) are conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of Southern California in preparation for the ARG's deployment later this year. The America ARG is comprised of America, the amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), and the amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristina Young/Released)