PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 30, 2021) The Dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9) conducts a vertical replenishment (VERTREP) with amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex, flagship of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), along with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), 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. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Wesley Richardson)