SASEBO, Japan (Aug. 15, 2021) Sailors assigned to the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) make the forecastle ready for mooring pier side in Sasebo, Japan. Germantown, part 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. (US Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Nicholas M. Skyles)