PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 25, 2020) The amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) pulls alongside the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), not pictured. Germantown and New Orleans, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) team, are operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serving 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 photos by Sgt. Audrey M. C. Rampton)