PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 9, 2020) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) mount a M240B on America's rigid-hull inflatable boat during a Beach Reconnaissance exercise. America, flagship of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven and the America Amphibious Ready Group, assigned to Amphibious Squadron Eleven, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jomark A. Almazan)