160129-N-RM689-118 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 29, 2016)- An amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarks the well deck of amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48). Ashland is assigned to the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and is en route to participate in Cobra Gold, a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored multinational joint exercise designed to advance regional security by exercising a robust multinational force from nations sharing common goals and security commitments in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kelsey L. Adams/Released)