31st MEU conducts VBSS exercise aboard USS John L. Canley in Coral Sea

U.S. Marines with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to transport a simulated casualty during a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) exercise aboard the expeditionary sea base USS John L. Canley (ESB-6) in the Coral Sea, July 7. VBSS is part of the maritime interception operations that aim to delay, disrupt, or destroy enemy forces or supplies in the maritime domain. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, 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. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)