WHITE BEACH NAVAL BASE, Okinawa (Aug. 18, 2020) Marines with Combat Logistic Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), walk up a gang plank onto the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans part of the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The America ARG, 31st MEU team remains the premier crisis response force in the region despite the unique challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Audrey M. C. Rampton)