180801-N-LH273-0035 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 1, 2018) An F-35B Lightning II, attached to the “Avengers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, prepares to launch from the flight deck during night time flight operations aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) while on a regularly scheduled deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The Essex ARG/13th MEU is a capable and lethal Navy-Marine Corps team deployed to the 7th fleet area of operations to support regional stability, reassure partners and allies and maintain a presence postured to respond to any crisis ranging from humanitarian assistance to contingency operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam Brock)