PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 3, 2021) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) board a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262, aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48). Ashland, part of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, serving as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Madysson Anne Ritter)