190125-N-OX029-1100 EAST CHINA SEA (Jan. 25, 2019) An F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, the fixed wing component of 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Aviation Combat Element, takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) to participate in a joint defense exercise with U.S. Air Force aircraft. Wasp, flagship of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 31st MEU, is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Benjamin F. Davella III/Released)