181117-N-ZZ999-001 NORTH ATLANTIC (Nov. 17, 2018) The F-35 Patuxent River Integrated Test Force is testing aboard the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) for phase two of the First of Class flight trails (fixed wing). Phase two tests include external stores, minimum performance short-takeoffs, shipborne rolling vertical landing and night operations. A third phase followed by operational testing is scheduled for 2019. Together, the events will help the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence reach initial operating capability (maritime) in 2020. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of the Royal Navy/Released)