200324-M-WW783-1005 PHILIPPINE SEA (March 24, 2020) A guided bomb unit (GBU) 49 dual mode, laser-guided munition system is loaded onto an F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), for a strike exercise on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). The GBU-49 is designed to destroy surface and subsurface moving threats aided by both a laser guidance and global positioning system. 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 Lance Cpl. Joshua Brittenham/Released)