SEA OF JAPAN (Sept. 2, 2022) U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire an M240B machine gun and observe shots on target during a defense of the amphibious task force live-fire exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 2, 2022. DATF scenarios focus Navy and Marine Corps forces on defending ARG shipping and the drills allowed the ARG-MEU team to improve their proficiency when integrating fires. 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 Sgt. Danny Gonzalez)