EAST CHINA SEA (June 14, 2021) U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jacob Birchfield, a machine gunner with Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), takes aim on the objective during the Maritime Interdiction Operation (MIO) training exercise aboard the the dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) in the East China Sea, June 14, 2021. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious 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)