200404-M-KL008-3002 PHILIPPINE SEA (April 4, 2020) An MH-60S Sea Hawk assigned to the �Island Knights� of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) prepares to take off from the flight deck of during flight operations. Marines and Sailors aboard the America conduct flight operations regularly in order to ensure all equipment is operating correctly and give pilots an opportunity to hone their skills. 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 photo by Lance Cpl. Kolby Leger/Released)