PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 26, 2021) An AH-1Z Viper helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), takes off from the dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during a mine countermeasure training exercise in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 26, 2021. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Amphibious Squadron 11 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)