180922-N-AT135-1229 GULF OF ADEN (Sept. 22, 2018) Marine Corps Maj. Alexander Mellman, assigned to the Avengers of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, prepares for flight operations in the cockpit of an F-35B Lightning II during 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 3rd Class Matthew Freeman/Released)