200418-M-WB494-2003 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 18, 2020) An MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), takes off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). Marines and Sailors aboard the America regularly conduct flight operations while underway to maintain their readiness to respond to contingencies. The Osprey is a long-range troop transport aircraft that can be deployed at a moment’s notice, enabling the Blue-Green team to rapidly respond to crises. 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)