171216-N-ZS023-024 INDIAN OCEAN (Dec. 16, 2017) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Austin Kreilis, assigned to the air department aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), signals an MV-22 Osprey helicopter assigned to USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) to lift off from the flight deck. America, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the Indo-Asia Pacific region to strengthen partnerships and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Vance Hand/Released)