PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 7, 2022) Operations Specialist 2nd Class Megan Dillard, a native of Atlanta, assigned to Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), stands watch in the combat information center (CIC) in support of Noble Fusion, Feb. 7, 2022. Noble Fusion demonstrates that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with a carrier strike group, as well as other joint force elements and allies, in order to conduct lethal sea-denial operations, seize key maritime terrain, guarantee freedom of movement, and create advantage for U.S. partner and allied forces. Naval Expeditionary forces conduct training throughout the year, in the Indo-Pacific, to maintain readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brett McMinoway)