NATUNA SEA (Jan 7, 2023) Marines assigned to a Maritime Raid Force (MRF) platoon embarked aboard amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) use 11m rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) and a UH-1Y Venom assigned to Variable Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 362 to board Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary mobile base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) for a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) training exercise, Jan. 7. The ability to operate seamlessly and simultaneously on the sea, ashore, and in the air, represents the unique value of amphibious capability provided by the ARG/MEU team. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport docks USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serves as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Tonthat)