PHILIPPINE SEA (March 7, 2021) U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepare to perform a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) exercise aboard the dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), March 7, 2021. Marines with the 31st MEU regularly conduct VBSS drills to maintain readiness and lethality. 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. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joseph E. DeMarcus)