SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 6, 2023) Sailors practice hose handling during a general quarters drill in the hangar bay of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Jan. 6, 2023, in the South China Sea. General quarters drills provide the opportunity to train and prepare the ship’s crew for any shipboard casualty. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport dock 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 serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eloise A. Johnson)