PHILIPPINE SEA (June 12, 2021) A Japan Self-Defense Force landing craft, air cushion prepares to board the dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) in the Philippine Sea, June 12, 2021. This exercise was intended to improve the interoperability between the U.S. and Japan. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is operating aboard ships of the America Expeditionary Ready Group in the U.S. 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 Cpl. Alexandria Nowell)