171102-N-UX013-180 OKINAWA, Japan (Oct. 2, 2017) A U.S. Marine Corps amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) assigned to Amphibious Assault Vehicle Company, Combat Assault Battalion, splashes into the water from the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during an amphibious assault as part of exercise 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. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Clay/Released)