PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 20, 2021) Marines with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conduct a stern gate boat launch rehearsal off of dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), in the Philippine Sea Jan. 20, 2021. The rehearsal prepared Marines for boat raids and enhanced proficiency for night operations. 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 Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck)