SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 24, 2022) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans’ (LPD 18), Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7, and Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4, and Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), enjoy a “steel beach picnic” while in the South China Sea. New Orleans, part of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is 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. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Desmond Parks)