MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan (Nov. 19, 2021) Capt. Ken Ward, commanding officer of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), leads a tour for local and regional civic and military leadership in the ship's pilot house during a port visit to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, 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 Jonathan Berlier)