PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 25, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Noah Johnson, a scout sniper, center, and Sgt. Thomas Reese, a machine gunner, right, both with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a live fire exercise aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 25, 2022. Marines maintained their proficiency and lethality with M2A1 .50-caliber machine gun weapon systems while underway. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations 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 Lance Cpl. Christopher R. Lape)