200313-M-WW783-1118 SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 13, 2020) Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepare to mount an AIM-9 captive air training missile onto an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to VMM-265 (REIN), 31st MEU, on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). 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. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Brittenham)