PHILIPPINE SEA (June 13, 2021) Ensign Jose Lopezbautista, electrical officer aboard the amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans (LPS 18), peers through binoculars as conning officer on the bridge during bilateral operations with the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), the dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force tank landing ship JDS Shimokita (LST 4002). New Orleans, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, 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 Desmond Parks)