200417-M-KL008-1003 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 17, 2020) Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepare to mount an AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile onto an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft with VMM-265 (REIN.), 31st MEU, on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). VMM-265 (REIN.), with F-35Bs 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 Lance Cpl. Kolby Leger/Released)