PHILIPPINE SEA ( Feb. 24, 2021) U.S. Marines with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and Navy Sailors prepare to launch a combat rubber raiding craft during an onload exercise aboard dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 24, 2021. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the 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 Sgt. Danny Gonzalez)