SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 6, 2020) Cpl. Edward Gonzales, a reconnaissance Marine with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Amphibious Raid Force, looks through a scope during a simulated visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) mission aboard aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). VBSS is part of Maritime Interception Operations that aim to delay, disrupt, or destroy enemy forces or supplies in the maritime domain. New Orleans, part of the America Amphibious Ready 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 Sgt. Audrey M. C. Rampton)