170926-N-MC499-019 SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (Sept. 26, 2017) Rear Adm. Jeff Hughes, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2, embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), speaks with Puerto Rico's National Guard director Army Brig. Gen. Gisele Wilz about joint operations. Kearsarge is assisting with relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. The Department of Defense is supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal agency in helping those affected by Hurricane Maria to minimize suffering and is one component of the overall whole-of-government response effort. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dana D. Legg/Released)