Marines Ramp Up Readiness in the Indo-Pacific

From 17-24 April 2020,US Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted full mission profile drills, including vertical assault,aerial reconnaissance and simulated close-air support,in the South and East China Seas.They were based on the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6).
At one point, two rifle companies from a Battalion Landing Team mustered their assault force with full combat gear in the ship's cargo bay, ultimately embarking both rifle companies aboard two waves of MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.
Said MAJ Jeremy Fisher, company Commander of Bravo Co,BLT 1/5:
This training rehearses our Marines, the ship's crew, and other supporting components of the MAGTF so that if we were to execute a quick reaction mission real world, we've already identified and addressed any friction that might arise.*
In the East China Sea, the MEU conducted a tactical debarkation down cargo nets into an 11-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat, ensuring the Marines can surge combat power ashore via multiple methods.
As well, daily flight operations were staged to enhance readiness.In particular F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters flew sorties day and night, including aerial reconnaissance missions throughout the South China Sea, and projecting USMC air power to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific Region.*
COL Robert Brodie, commanding officer of 31st MEU, noted that:
Whether it's our F-35s conducting an Expeditionary strike, our riflemen raiding an objective,or our combat logistics Marines supporting humanitarian assistance, the MEU stands ready to support our Nation's call-Ready,Partnered, and Lethal.*
The USS America is permanently forward-deployed to Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan.*
NATO is in the process of formulating its approach to China.*

New Amphibious Assault Ship Christened

The US Navy christened the new amphibious assault ship America(LHA 6),the first of its class,on Saturday at Ingalls Shipbuiding in Cascagoula,Mississippi.Ship's sponsor Mrs.Lynne Pace,wife of General Peter Pace,USMC retired,former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,described the America as being kind of like a mini-aircraft carrier.Mrs.Pace broke a bottle of champagne over the ship's bow,in accordance with naval tradition.
Admiral Mark E. Ferguson III,Vice Chief of Naval Operations,presided at the ceremony.
The America will serve as a platform for the US Marine Corps' MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft,as well as its AV-8B Harrier jump jets;the new F-35B Lightning II joint strike fighter;and helicopters.Homeported in San Diego,the ship will be a sea base for a Marine air-ground task force,or MAGTF.
Able to carry 1687 Marines and their equipment,plus 184 surge,its keel was laid in 2009.Following sea trials,the America is scheduled to be delivered and commissioned in 2013.
Huntington Ingalls Industries(HII)