200213-M-IP473-1024 PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 13, 2020) Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) watch an F-35B Lightning II take off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). JTACs facilitate close air support by communicating directly with aircraft to provide precision fires upon target locations. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU 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. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Audrey M. C. Rampton/Released)