This Photo Of The Day is rather eye-catching, isn’t it? Where are the firearms you may ask? They are located right underneath for your viewing pleasure. Above you see a U.S. Marine with the Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 3rd Marine Division, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. He uses a metal saw to breach a steel plate aboard Expeditionary Mobile Base USS Miguel Keith (ESB-5) during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise in the Philippine Sea, in August 2022.

I haven’t decided if I’d rather want the metal saw or the rifle.

The 31st MEU maintains the capability to seize and clear ships while at sea to protect themselves and allies in the Indo-Pacific Region. The 31st MEU is operating aboard 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 INDOPACOM region.

Below: A U.S. Reconnaissance Marine with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 3rd Marine Division, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, posts security aboard Expeditionary Mobile Base USS Miguel Keith (ESB-5) while the security team, with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, with 31st MEU, approaches on the rigid hull, inflatable boats.

Below: U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 3rd Marine Division, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, work to clear and secure the mission deck of Expeditionary Mobile Base USS Miguel Keith (ESB-5).

Photos and captions: U.S. Marine Corps, Lance Cpl. Christopher W. England