PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 26, 2020) Staff Sgt. Lucas Cruz,

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 26, 2020) Staff Sgt. Lucas Cruz, an embarkation specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary unit (MEU), stands on the flight deck in the rain during flight operations aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The America ARG, 31st MEU team remains the premier crisis response force in the region despite the unique challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Sgt. Audrey M. C. Rampton)