PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 24, 2021) U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), hold security during a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) training exercise aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), in the Philippine Sea Jan. 24, 2021. VBSS is part of Maritime Interception Operations that aim to delay, disrupt, or destroy enemy forces or supplies in the maritime domain. 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 Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck)