U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Bryan Avalos, a cannoneer with Echo Battery, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts M777 lightweight 155mm howitzer training in the well deck of San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) in the South China Sea, June 9, 2026. The 11th MEU, embarked aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, is a persistent, combat credible force contributing to deterrence and crisis response in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Avery Wayland)
U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit execute defense of the amphibious task force aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) while transiting the Surigao Strait, April 26, 2026. The 11th MEU, embarked aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, is a persistent, combat credible force contributing to deterrence and crisis response in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Joseph Helms and Sgt. Trent A. Henry)
