Capt. Andrew Bloem, joint terminal attack controller

Capt. Andrew Bloem, joint terminal attack controller for the forward command element (FCE), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), talks with Gunnery Sgt. Andrew Kissick, FCE operations chief, prior to takeoff from amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 21, 2021. The FCE was deployed along with the humanitarian assistance survey team to rehearse the coordination of foreign humanitarian assistance in the event of a natural disaster. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Expeditionary Strike Group in the 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. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Stephanie Murphy)