PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 24, 2022) Civilian contractors embarked with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to conduct a V-BAT drone flight aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 24, 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 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. Manuel Alvarado)