240728-N-TW227-1003 PHILIPPINE SEA (July 28, 2024) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) secure a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s (MEU) Air Combat Element (ACE), on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), July 28. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, are underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kenneth Melseth)