171101-M-QH615-242 PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 1, 2017) A U.S. Marine Corps amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) assigned to Amphibious Assault Vehicle Company, Combat Assault Battalion, prepares to embark the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during Blue Chromite. The annual exercise between the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps is designed to strengthen interoperability and increase naval integration and proficiencies in amphibious warfare. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Aaron S. Patterson/Released)