180907-N-AF263-0908 GULF OF ADEN (Sept. 7 2018) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Francis Centeno launches an F-35B Lightning II attached to the “Avengers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 from the flight deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is on a scheduled deployment of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The Essex ARG and 13th MEU is the first U.S. Navy/Marine Corps team to deploy to U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations with the transformational warfighting capabilities of the F-35B Lightning II, making it a more lethal, flexible and persistent force, leading to a more stable region for our partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sabyn L. Marrs/Released)