PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 26, 2020) Force reconnaissance Marines with Command Element, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), board a CH-53E Super Stallion heavy lift helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced) after completing visit, board, search and seizure drills aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). Germantown, part of the America Readiness Group (ARG), 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations 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 Lance Cpl. Kolby Leger).