PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 9, 2022) Phil Mendoza, a civilian contractor embarked with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, catches a V-BAT drone after a flight aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 9, 2022. The V-BAT is a platform with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities that requires no launch equipment, making it a useful tool for expeditionary operations. The USS Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, are 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. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cesar Ronaldo Alarcon)