200427-M-IP473-1089 EAST CHINA SEA (April 27, 2020) Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) watch an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, take off from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). 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 Sgt. Audrey M. C. Rampton/Released)