160820-N-VH385-826 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 20, 2016) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (handling) 3rd Class Juan Cumpston, from Richmond, Virginia, observes an F-35C Lightning II carrier variant, assigned to the Salty Dogs of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, perform a touch-and-go landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). VX-23 is conducting its third and final developmental test (DT-III) phase aboard George Washington in the Atlantic Ocean. The F-35C is expected to be fleet operational in 2018. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Wyatt L. Anthony/Released)