SASEBO, Japan (April 1, 2021) Capt. Kenneth Ward, commanding officer of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), addresses the Chief's Mess before a cake cutting ceremony honoring the 128th anniversary of the creation of the rank of chief petty officer. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility 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. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shelby Tucker)