U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Joseph Larkin, a Stafford, Virginia native and the executive officer of Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, converses with 1st Lt. Brian Lara, a Houston, Texas native and a platoon commander with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during a defense of the amphibious task force aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18), in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 2, 2022. DATF senarios focus Navy and Marine Corps forces on defending ARG shipping and the drills allowed the ARG-MEU team to improve their proficiency when integrating fires. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready 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.