Marines, assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepare to embark the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). Germantown is part of the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group, commanded by Rear Adm. Hugh Wetherald, and is conducting joint forces exercises in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Patrick Dionne/Released)