170814-N-NB544-058 CORAL SEA (Aug. 14, 2017) Brig.

170814-N-NB544-058 CORAL SEA (Aug. 14, 2017) Brig. Gen. Christopher McPhillips (left), commanding general, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), speaks with air department Sailors in the hangar bay of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) during a ship tour. Bonhomme Richard, flagship of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, is supporting a certification exercise (CERTEX) that will evaluate the 31st MEU on crisis response operations for a number of potential contingencies. CERTEX, taking place off the coast of and within Australia’s Shoalwater Bay Training Area, will test the MEU’s ability to conduct all of its core missions such as stability operations, non-combatant evacuation and disaster relief. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle Carlstrom/Released)