PACIFIC OCEAN (March 24, 2021) An F-35B Lightning II, attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 13, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepares to take off from the flight deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jenna Dobson)