PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 24, 2021) Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon (FRP), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) fast rope from a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 onto the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LPD 48) during a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) mission in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 24, 2021. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Expeditionary Strike Group 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. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dominic Clay)