SASEBO, Japan (July 11, 2022) Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Ralph Escala, from Kapolei, Hawaii, assigned to the forward-deployed assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), prepares for a dental checkup in the ship's medical bay. 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 2nd Class Matthew Cavenaile)