PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 24, 2021) From left to right, the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans (LPD 18), the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS Evertsen (F 805), the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Defender (D 36), the Royal Navy frigate HMS Kent (F 78), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) sail in formation with the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike 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 3rd Class Thomas B. Contant)