PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 30, 2021) A Marine F-35B Lightening II with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), takes off from amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 30, 2021. By integrating the F-35B, which has short take off capabilities and can land vertically onto naval vessels, the Marine Corps is strengthening its partnership with the Navy. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Expeditionary Strike Group in the 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. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joseph E. DeMarcus)