SURUGA-WAN SHIZUOKA, Japan (Sept. 16, 2022) A U.S. Sailor assigned to Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1651 with Naval Beach Unit Seven instructs service members to board the LCU during Transport Exercise (TRANSPORTEX) in Suruga-wan Shizuoka, Japan. TRANSPORTEX is a humanitarian aid & disaster relief exercise further enhancing interoperability between Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, the 31st MEU and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, enabling a combined rapid response force in the event of crisis or natural disaster. 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)