PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 5, 2022) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Shelby Mann, from Weaver, Kan., assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), signals a UH-1Y Venom helicopter from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to take off from the ship's flight deck during joint Exercise Noble Fusion. Noble Fusion demonstrates that Navy and Marine Corps forward-deployed stand-in naval expeditionary forces can rapidly aggregate Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group teams at sea, along with a carrier strike group, as well as other joint force elements and allies, 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 Matthew Cavenaile)