PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 9, 2021) Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain�s Mate (Handling) Mercedes Amador, from New York, assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), launches an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) from the ship�s flight deck. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Berlier)