180922-N-AT135-1104 GULF OF ADEN (Sept. 22, 2018) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Landon Jamison signals an F-35B Lightning II, attached to the “Avengers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, while preparing for launch on the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a scheduled deployment of Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The Essex ARG and 13th MEU are the first U.S. Navy/Marine Corps team to deploy to U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations with the F-35B Lightning II. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Freeman/Released)