200325-M-WW783-654 PHILIPPINE SEA (March 25, 2020) An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), takes flight with a guided bomb unit (GBU) 49 dual mode, laser-guided munition system for the first time in the Indo-Pacific region for a strike exercise off the flight deck of 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)