PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 20, 2021) A U.S. Marine with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) prepares to load inert ordnance into U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA 211), embarked on the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) during flight operations between the Royal Navy and USS America. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of America Expeditionary Strike Group 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. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Malik Lewis)