SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 18, 2023) Sailors participate in an M9 pistol live fire shoot aboard amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23), April 18. Live fire training provides Sailors with sufficient manpower for proper watchstanding in foreign and domestic ports. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport docks Anchorage 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Tonthat)