171008-N-GC965-093 EILAT, Israel (Oct. 8, 2017) Cmdr. Jeffrey Chao, from Temecula, Calif., salutes as Quartermaster 3rd Class Anastasia Clark, from Lake Charles, La., raises the American flag aboard the America-class amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during a scheduled port visit to Eilat, Israel, Oct. 8, 2017. America is the flagship for the America Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU), is in Israel to enhance U.S.-Israel relations as the two nations work together for a stable, secure and prosperous region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released)