31st MEU conducts VBSS drill aboard USS San Diego in Philippine Sea

U.S. Marines with Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, board a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) drill aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS San Diego (LSD 22) in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 4, 2026. VBSS is part of maritime interception operations that aim to delay, disrupt, or seize vessels of interest in the maritime domain. The 31st MEU is a persistent, combat credible force operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, routinely interacting and operating with our allies and partners to contribute to deterrence, security, crisis response and combat operations in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Maksim Masloboev)