PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 20, 2021) U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Brian Kimmins prepares to launch an F-35B from the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (R 08) for a historic cross-deck operation with the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Pacific Ocean, August 20, 2021. The operation highlighted the interoperability of the F-35B and the strategic importance of the joint integration between the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group and the U.S. Navy Amphibious Ready Group / Marine Expeditionary Unit. This mission was the first time in modern history the United States has cross-decked aircraft for a mission utilizing a foreign aircraft carrier, demonstrating naval partnerships in action. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Zachary Bodner)