SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sep. 5, 2020) Force Reconnaissance Marines with Command Element, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), cut through metal during a simulated visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) mission drills aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). VBSS is a part of Maritime Interception Operations that aim to delay, disrupt, or destroy enemy forces or supplies in the maritime domain. Germantown, 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)