161119-N-YT019-0005 PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 19, 2016) Vice Adm. Thomas Rowden , Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific, observes flight quarters on amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during the third phase of developmental testing (DT-III) for the F-35B Lighting II aircraft. The F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant is the world’s first supersonic STOVL stealth aircraft. America, with VMX-1, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 (VMFA-211) and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) embarked, are underway conducting operational testing and the third phase of developmental testing for the F-35B Lightning II aircraft, respectively. The tests will evaluate the full spectrum of joint strike fighter measures of suitability and effectiveness in an at-sea environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Joshua Samoluk/ Released)