180602-N-AT135-054 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 2, 2018) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Glenn Catbagan hand signals as an F-35B Lightning II, attached to the “Avengers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, ascends on an aircraft elevator aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is the final pre-deployment exercise that certifies the combined Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s (MEU) abilities to conduct military operations at sea and project power ashore during their upcoming deployment in summer of 2018. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Freeman/Released)