180312-N-RI884-0281 EAST CHINA SEA (March 12, 2018) Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, and staff observe flight operations of the F-35B Lightning II aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) in the Indo-Pacific region. The visitors observed flight operations by F-35B pilots with the "Green Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121), assigned under the Okinawa-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) is conducting a regional patrol designed to strengthen regional alliances, provide rapid-response capability and advance the up-gunned ESG concept. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel Barker/Released)