LUZON STRAIT (Feb. 3, 2022) Marines assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), load an air-intercept missile (AIM) 9M Sidewinder air-to-air missile onto an AV-8B Harrier attached to VMA 214, 11th MEU, aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) in support of Noble Fusion, Feb. 3, 2022. Noble Fusion demonstrates that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can operate as a Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group team at sea, along with a carrier strike group, in order to conduct lethal sea-denial operations, seize key maritime terrain, guarantee freedom of movement, and create advantage for U.S., partner and allied forces. Naval Expeditionary forces conduct training throughout the year in the Indo-Pacific, to maintain readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Isaak Martinez)