PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 26, 2020) The amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), front, and the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) transit the Philippine Sea. Germantown and New Orleans are part of the America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), 31st MEU team, and are 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 Cpl. Brandon Salas)