180919-N-XK398-1143 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 19, 2018)

180919-N-XK398-1143 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 19, 2018) Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Dennis Castro, from Sacramento, California, observes an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the “Island Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, depart from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48). Ashland, part of the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Mortensen)