200409-M-WB494-1103 PHILIPPINE SEA (April 9, 2020) Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) prepare an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), for takeoff during flight operations aboard America. VMM-265, reinforced with F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, is currently serving as the aviation combat element for the 31st MEU. 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 Cpl. Isaac Cantrell/Released)