200111-N-ZS023-1018 EAST CHINA SEA (Jan. 11, 2020) Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) chock and chain an F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, to the ship's flight deck. The America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit team is operating in the U.S. 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Vance Hand/Released)