PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 21, 2021) U.S. Navy Landing Craft, Air Cushion 33, assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5, prepares to depart the well deck of amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27), Aug. 21. Portland, part of the USS Essex Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alexis Flores)