180312-N-RI884-0330 EAST CHINA SEA (March 12, 2018) Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), and his staff observe flight operations of the F-35B Lightning II aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) during a tour of the ship in the Indo-Pacific region. The visitors observed flight operations by F-35B pilots with the "Green Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, assigned under the Okinawa-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU). The Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group 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 1st Class Daniel Barker/Released)