PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 1, 2020) Marines with Combat

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 1, 2020) Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), board an MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, during a hasty noncombatant evacuation operation (NEO) training exercise aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). CLB-31, 31st MEU conducted the training to increase speed and proficiency during a hasty NEO to evacuate American citizens from another country. America, flagship of America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S. 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. 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 photo by Lance Cpl. Brienna Tuck)