200410-N-DB724-2540

EAST CHINA SEA (April 10, 2020) Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), right, sails with Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Akebono (DD 108). America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit team, is operating 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. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jomark A. Almazan)