U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Tray Schutzenhofer and Cpl. Carlo de Vera, embarkation specialists with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), display their packaging technique during a Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) Challenge aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 5, 2021. The contest was held to find the most efficient way to pack the most amount of meals while also reducing their signature. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Expeditionary Strike Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brandon Salas)