PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 3, 2021) A UH-1Y Venom helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), provides close air support during a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) mission in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 3, 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 contingency. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brandon Salas)