180927-N-AT135-1109 U.S. 5th FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Sept. 27, 2018) Marine Corps Lt. Col. Kyle Shoop, commanding officer of the “Avengers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), performs pre-flight checks in an F-35B Lightning II aircraft aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) in preparation for the F-35B's first combat strike, Sept. 27, 2018.. 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)