PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 24, 2020) Sailors aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) watch an MV22B Tiltrotor aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), land on the flight deck. The New Orleans part of the America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation 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 photos by Sgt. Audrey M. C. Rampton)