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IWAKUNI, Japan (Nov. 18, 2021) USS America (LHA 6), the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious assault ship, pulls into the harbor at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. Due to its geographic location and collocated airfield and harbor, MCAS Iwakuni is uniquely postured to provide advanced naval integration in support of regional security. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serves as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U. S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Jessika Braden)