PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 23, 2020) A Marine with the Maritime Raid Force (MRF), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conducts fast-rope training out of an MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). The fast rope sustainment training was done in preparation to execute specialized insertion methods in support of visit, board, search, and seizure, or maritime interdiction operations, and specialized limited scale raids. America, flagship of America 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. Dominic Clay)