OKINAWA, Japan (Aug. 27, 2020) A landing craft, air cushion hovercraft assigned to Naval Beach Unit 7 prepares to depart White Beach Naval Base. The Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), part of the America Amphibious 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)