PACIFIC OCEAN (March 8, 2022) Sailors assigned to the America-class amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) prep a CH-47J Chinook helicopter from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force for takeoff, March 8, 2022. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready 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 Seaman Matthew Bakerian)