PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 26, 2020) Marines with Command Element, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, hold their positions during visit, board, search and seizure training aboard the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). Germantown, part of the 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. Danny Gonzalez)