170919-N-UX013-284 OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 19, 2017) Cmdr. Steven H. Wasson, commanding officer of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), navigates the ship into port alongside the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) at White Beach Naval Facility to disembark Marines attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU). The 31st MEU completed Talisman Saber, Amphibious Integration Training (AIT), and certification exercise (CERTEX) during a deployment with the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group. Ashland is operating in the Indo-Asia-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 3rd Class Jonathan Clay/Released)