160922-N-BB269-294 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 22, 2016)

160922-N-BB269-294 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 22, 2016) Fire Controlman Amanda Thompson, assigned to the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), fires a shot line to the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) during a replenishment-at-sea during Valiant Shield 2016. Valiant Shield 16 is a biennial, U.S.-only, field training exercise (FTX) with a focus on integration of joint training among U.S. forces. Germantown, part of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is participating in Valiant Shield in an effort to increase naval integration and joint capabilities in the event of conflict, contingency, or disaster relief. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Raymond D. Diaz III/Released)