PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 13, 2020) Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Jacob Fernandez, from Allentown, Pa., assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), uses an arc welder to practice his welding technique. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shelby Tucker)