PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 23, 2021) The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans (LPD 18) sails alongside the Osumi-class tank landing ship Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force cargo transportation ship JS Shimokita (LST 4002) during Exercise Noble Union, in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 23, 2021. Exercise Noble Union is part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Noble Series of exercises which are used to test the Family of Naval Concepts, develop techniques and procedures for the employment of MEU assets in support of sea denial and fleet maneuver, and inform future force design and experimentation efforts. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Expeditionary Strike Group 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. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Grace Gerlach)