PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 11, 2021) An F-35B Lightning II assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) launches from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) while an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 operates alongside the ship. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility 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 Seaman Matthew Cavenaile)