PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 31, 2020) Amphibious assault ship

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 31, 2020) Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) sails past the island of Iwo To. American forces invaded the island on February 19, 1945, and the ensuing Battle of Iwo Jima turned into five weeks of some of the bloodiest fighting of World War II; resulting in more than 26,000 American casualties, including 6,800 dead. 75 years later, the 31st MEU remembers those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. America, flagship 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 Indio-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 Sgt. Dominic Clay)