SASEBO, Japan (Oct. 24, 2023) Capt. Patrick German, commanding officer of the forward deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), escorts Rear Adm. James Downey, special assistant to the assistant secretary of the navy for research, development, and acquisition, to New Orleans' wardroom during a scheduled visit. New Orleans, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 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 Desmond Parks)