SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 20, 2023) Sailors and Marines assigned to 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in a steel beach picnic on the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23), April 20. Steel beach picnics are command-sponsored barbecues held during deployment to raise morale and build camaraderie. 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 MEU 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)