260127-M-CK747-1165

An AH-1Z Viper with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, flies over simulated adversary vessels approaching San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) during a simulated strait transit in the Pacific Ocean, Jan. 27, 2026. The simulated strait transit was conducted to refine the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ability to integrate with the Navy for enhanced force protection. The 11th MEU is currently underway aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training that enhances lethality and warfighting readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Luke Rodriguez)