PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 24, 2021) The dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) and the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) sail in the Philippine Sea during a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) mission, 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 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 Cpl. Brandon Salas)