SASEBO, Japan (Nov. 17, 2020) Vice Adm. Bill Merz, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, speaks to officers in the wardroom onboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during a visit to Sasebo. Ashland, assigned to Amphibious Squadron 11, 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 Vincent Zline)