180311-N-BD308-0040 EAST CHINA SEA (March 11, 2018) An F-35B Lightning II prepares to launch off the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) as part of a routine patrol in the Indo-Pacific region. Pilots with the "Green Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, assigned under the Okinawa-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU), are scheduled to conduct a series of qualification flights aboard Wasp over a multi-day period. The Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) is conducting a regional patrol meant to strengthen regional alliances, provide rapid-response capability, and advance the Up-Gunned ESG concept. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Levingston Lewis/Released)