180326-N-VK310-0070 PHILIPPINE SEA (March 26, 2018) An F-35B Lightning II assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) prepares to take off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). Wasp and its expeditionary strike group (ESG) are operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners, serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency and advance the up-gunned ESG concept. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Molina/Released)