CORAL SEA (June 29, 2023) Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) prepare food during a steel beach picnic in the Coral Sea, June 29, 2023. A steel beach is held to boost morale and camaraderie among Marines and Sailors while deployed for exercises and operations. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is embarked aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group and are in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations 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. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Elijah Murphy)