PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 24, 2021) U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), perform loading and unloading drills aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 24, 2021. By integrating the 31st MEU’s ordnance team and the USS America weapons department, the Marines on ship can load weapons onto any aircraft available to the 31st MEU. 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. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joseph E. DeMarcus)