PHILIPINE SEA (Aug. 24, 2021) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) prepare to render honors to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182), right, and the JMSDF destroyer JS Asahi (DD 119). America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, along with the 31st MEU, 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 Vincent E. Zline)