AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar (March 2, 2021) U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), taxi on the runway while participating in a U.S. Air Forces Central (AFCENT) Agile Combat Employment (ACE) event at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. AFCENT�s ACE capstone event enhances theater airpower competencies, validating operational capabilities and command and control while simultaneously strengthening regional partnerships. The 15th MEU is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Patrick Crosley)